Have you ever experienced excessive daytime sleepiness? 

The most common symptoms of narcolepsy include:

            Sleep attacks: these can last for 15 minutes

            Hallucinations

            Sleep paralysis

            Cataplexy: the inability to move upon waking

            Seizures

            Sleep disorders

            Restless leg syndrome

These conditions can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.  If you have experienced any of these symptoms, check with your doctor.  They will conduct several sleep studies to review your symptoms and diagnose your condition.  I originally diagnosed myself with insomnia, when I started noticing my sleep problems.  But after a visit to the specialist and a few tests, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. 

It is estimated that more than 200,000 Americans have narcolepsy, yet less than 50,000 are diagnosed with the nervous system disorder.  The cause of narcolepsy is believed to be caused by reduced amounts of hypocretin, a protein made in the brain.  The disorder is lifelong and does not have a cure.  For treatment options, click here.

Sleep Well,

LM

What symptoms did you experience before seeing a doctor?