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Living With Narcolepsy

Living better with narcolepsy is possible.

Narcolepsy is a rare disorder, and the journey to diagnosis can be long and complex. You are not alone. Approximately 165,000 people in the United States are living with narcolepsy, and of them two-thirds have cataplexy. Symptoms can have a significant impact on day-to-day life, but managing narcolepsy is possible.

Getting to know narcolepsy is about understanding the impact of symptoms and finding ways to live well with the disorder. A healthy lifestyle, a good relationship with your healthcare provider, and a strong support network can help you face the challenges that come along with a diagnosis of narcolepsy.

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What has helped other people living with narcolepsy manage day to day?

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Narcolepsy symptoms can have a significant impact.

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How have others with narcolepsy managed through changing times?

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See tips on how to navigate parenting with narcolepsy.

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Checklist icon

What has helped other people living with narcolepsy manage day to day?

Explore tips »
Community of people icon

Get strategies for managing relationships and building a support network.

Find support »
Calendar icon

Narcolepsy symptoms can have a significant impact.

Discover »
Telemedicine icon

Review tips for preparing for an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Learn more »
Changing times icon

How have others with narcolepsy managed through changing times?

See their tips »
Parenting icon

See tips on how to navigate parenting with narcolepsy.

Learn »
Andre Being an Active Participant in Your Narcolepsy Journey Video image
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Being an Active Participant in Your Narcolepsy Journey

Andre

Andre shares how he took control of his journey with narcolepsy by becoming an active participant in his story.

Andre shares how he took control of his journey with narcolepsy by becoming an active participant in his story.

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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.