“Narcolepsy doesn't rule my life but is a part of my life.”– Emily
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What Is Cataplexy in Narcolepsy?
Most people living with narcolepsy have cataplexy, but it is not always obvious.
Nearly two-thirds of people living with narcolepsy have cataplexy, which is called type 1 narcolepsy. Cataplexy is the sudden and brief loss of muscle strength or muscle tone often brought on by strong emotions or certain situations, like laughing or being startled. People living with narcolepsy who do not experience cataplexy have what is called type 2 narcolepsy.
Cataplexy can be different for each person.
For some people living with narcolepsy, cataplexy can develop years after excessive daytime sleepiness.
Initially, my diagnosis didn’t include cataplexy. That was something that came later.
Andre, living with narcolepsy
Cataplexy can be brought on by different emotions or situations.
- Excitement – Gina & Ijeoma
- Being the center of attention – Sean & Sharon
- Laughter – Andre
- Feeling anxious – Sharon
- Anticipation – Sean
- Unexpectedly meeting a friend – Sharon
- Stress – Sharon
- Fear – Matt
- Being annoyed – Leah
- Hearing a joke – Leah & Scott
- Frustration – Nicki
- Feeling upset or angry – Scott
Cataplexy may change how people go through their daily lives.
People living with narcolepsy may have learned tricks to avoid or control cataplexy attacks or may believe these experiences are normal and not realize they have cataplexy. They may hold back emotions or avoid situations that can trigger an attack.
Emotions That Trigger Cataplexy Attacks
Sean
Cataplexy attacks have interfered with big moments in Sean’s personal and professional life, like when he got engaged. Narcolepsy with cataplexy affects everyone differently, but attacks are often brought on by strong emotions.
Social Situations Triggered My Cataplexy
Sharon
After experiencing cataplexy while holding her infant son, Sharon started to avoid social situations.
What Cataplexy Can Feel Like
Nicki
Nicki describes what triggers her cataplexy and what it feels like when she loses muscle control.
I have to avoid experiencing emotions in order to control my body, and that essentially becomes part of your personality.
Sean, living with narcolepsy
Emotions That Trigger Cataplexy Attacks
Sean
Living with narcolepsy
Cataplexy attacks have interfered with big moments in Sean’s personal and professional life, like when he got engaged. Narcolepsy with cataplexy affects everyone differently, but attacks are often brought on by strong emotions.
Social Situations Triggered My Cataplexy
Sharon
Living with narcolepsy
After experiencing cataplexy while holding her infant son, Sharon started to avoid social situations.
What Cataplexy Can Feel Like
Nicki
Living with narcolepsy
Nicki describes what triggers her cataplexy and what it feels like when she loses muscle control.
Emotions That Trigger Cataplexy Attacks
Social Situations Triggered My Cataplexy
What Cataplexy Can Feel Like
I have to avoid experiencing emotions in order to control my body, and that essentially becomes part of your personality.
Sean, living with narcolepsy
How much is narcolepsy interfering with your daily activities or enjoyment of life?
Take this assessment a few times each year before visiting with your healthcare provider. Print or email your results and share them with your healthcare team to help you have informed discussions about your treatment plan.
Your
Narcolepsy Symptoms
Vivid dream-like experiences that occur while falling asleep or while waking up.
Occurs at night and includes dreams; muscles are not active to prevent people from acting out dreams.
People with type 1 narcolepsy can be diagnosed by their cataplexy or low levels of hypocretin (also known as orexin).
The cause of type 2 narcolepsy is unknown.
Restorative sleep state with decreased muscle tone.
Daytime and evening habits to improve sleep.
Brief total loss of voluntary muscle control when falling asleep or while waking up.
Also known as orexin, hypocretin is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that helps maintain wakefulness and prevent non-REM sleep and REM sleep from occurring at the wrong time.
Unintentionally falling asleep due to excessive daytime sleepiness; “sleep attacks.”
The inability to stay awake and alert during the day; a constant need for sleep or unintentionally falling asleep.
A naturally occurring chemical in the brain that helps maintain wakefulness.
Vivid dream-like experiences that occur while falling asleep or while waking up.
Frequent shifts between different states of sleep and wakefulness at night.
Difficulty focusing or concentrating.
Brief loss of muscle tone with retained awareness, often triggered by strong emotions.
Performance of routine tasks without awareness or memory.