Final answer:
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Symptoms may include cataplexy and hallucinations, and treatments usually involve stimulant drugs, with potential new therapies targeting the hypocretin system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods, regardless of the circumstances. In addition to sleep attacks, symptoms of narcolepsy may include cataplexy—a sudden, brief loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions—often resulting in slurred speech or muscle weakness. Surprisingly, narcoleptic episodes are frequently instigated by heightened arousal or stress. Some individuals may also experience vivid, dream-like hallucinations during attacks, reminiscent of REM sleep features.
Treatment often involves psychomotor stimulant drugs, which can increase neural activity. Since narcolepsy is associated with reduced levels of the signaling molecule hypocretin, future treatments may attempt to target the hypocretin system directly. Narcolepsy's impact on daily activities can be significant, limiting one's ability to work or study safely, especially when it involves operating machinery or driving. Conditions like narcolepsy necessitate comprehensive management to minimize risks associated with sudden sleep onset.