A 32-year-old member asked:
When i don't get enough sleep i have symptoms. could it be narcolepsy?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michelle Zetoonyanswered
Sleep Medicine 18 years experience
Insuff sleep: Probably not. Insufficient sleep is the real problem. Naroclepsy is a problem with the brain and the sleep/wake turn on and off. This is not a problem that "gets better or changes day to day." insufficient sleep can make you feel terrible and last longer than 1-2 days after a bad night. The only way to solve is making more time for sleep.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Djamchid Lotfianswered
Neurology 58 years experience
No: Narcolepsy is a specific syndrome manifested by irresistible desire to sleep in unusual and unlikely situations (it is often associated with cataplexy, hypnogogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis) . Your sleepiness is due to not having enough sleep or due to sleep apnea.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Pattersonanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Probably not: Inadequate sleep can cause lots of symptoms: fatigue, irritability, headaches, memory and attention problems, increased accidents, etc. The symptoms resolve with adequate sleep. Narcolepsy is a chronic medical condition which is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, vivid dreams, and sudden drop attacks associated with strong emotion. The epworth sleepiness scale can help.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 28, 2016
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