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 19 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 59 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 33 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
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What are the specific symptoms of not getting enough sleep?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Wei-shin Laianswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Fatigue, yawning: Some obvious symptoms of not sleeping would be being tired, yawning frequently, inability to concentrate, and making mistakes. The most dangerous would be falling asleep at the wheel. There are many significant health consequences too, but in the short term, that's what you can expect.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Canada
A 18-year-old member asked:
How do I know if I'm getting enough sleep?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bruce Jacobsanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
It is recommended to: get 8 hrs of sleep for someone your age, so if you're getting 8 hrs you're fine.
1.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
CA
A member asked:
What happens to you if you don't get enough sleep?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Charles Gordonanswered
Specializes in Adolescent Medicine
Get exhausted: Make errors in judgment and have higher rates of accidents and probably have a shorter and more dangerous life because of it. Get the sleep you need to function well. As Ben Franklin taught us:"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.