Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. Etiology involves autoimmune destruction of hypocretin-producing neurons in the hypothalamus. Pathophysiology includes dysregulation of sleep–wake cycles and REM sleep intrusion. Diagnosis relies on polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing. Management includes stimulants, sodium oxybate, and lifestyle modifications; prognosis involves chronic symptoms with appropriate pharmacologic management.