Final answer:
Ashley's sleep attacks during conversations and while standing suggest she may have narcolepsy, a disorder causing uncontrollable sleepiness at inappropriate times. Symptoms can include cataplexy and hallucinations, often triggered by emotional arousal. Treatment requires professional medical evaluation and can involve stimulants and antidepressants.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Ashley is falling asleep in the middle of a conversation or while standing, she is likely experiencing a condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is characterized by the inability to resist falling asleep at inappropriate times. Individuals with narcolepsy can also experience cataplexy, sudden and brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep. Furthermore, about a third of people with narcolepsy have vivid, dream-like hallucinations during their sleep attacks. It's important to note that narcoleptic episodes can be triggered by heightened emotional states and can range in duration from a few moments to half an hour.
Due to the variable nature of narcolepsy symptoms and the effectiveness of treatments, it's crucial for individuals who believe they may be suffering from this disorder to seek professional medical advice and undergo sleep testing. In some cases, stimulant drugs alongside antidepressants have shown significant improvement in managing symptoms. Without proper treatment, narcolepsy can severely interfere with daily activities and poses a risk of harm, especially when operating vehicles or machinery.