Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability to talk or move when falling asleep or waking up. This symptom of
narcolepsy may last a few seconds to minutes.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations
Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid, often frightening dream-like experiences that occur while dozing or falling asleep.
Variations of Narcolepsy Symptoms
In most cases, the first narcolepsy symptom to appear is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other narcolepsy symptoms may begin alone or in combination months or years after the onset of the daytime sleep attacks. There are wide variations in the development, severity, and order of appearance of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations in individuals.
Only about 20 to 25 percent of
people with narcolepsy experience all four symptoms. The excessive daytime sleepiness generally persists throughout life, but sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations may not.
Narcolepsy symptoms, especially the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, often become severe enough to cause serious disruptions in a person's social, personal, and professional lives and severely limit activities.
Summary of Narcolepsy Symptoms
These possible narcolepsy symptoms are not sure signs of narcolepsy. Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations can also occur in people with other health problems. Anyone with these possible narcolepsy symptoms should see a doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
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