Narcolepsy Symptoms

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 are vivid, often frightening dream-like experiences that occur while dozing or falling asleep.

 

Variations in Symptoms of Narcolepsy

As mentioned, in most cases, the first narcolepsy symptom to appear is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other 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.

 

Final Thoughts on Narcolepsy Symptoms

These possible narcolepsy symptoms are not sure signs of the condition. Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations can also occur in people with other health problems. Anyone with these possible symptoms should see a healthcare provider, who can properly diagnose and treat the problem.