About Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic, debilitating neurological disorder of sleep-wake state instability. Narcolepsy impacts approximately 165,000 Americans and is primarily characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and other manifestations of REM sleep dysregulation, which intrude into wakefulness. In most patients, it is caused by the loss of hypocretin, a neuropeptide in the brain that supports sleep-wake state stability.

This disorder affects men and women equally, with typical symptom onset in adolescence or young adulthood; however, it can take up to a decade to be properly diagnosed. Narcolepsy can cause significant burden on patients and their families, affecting their ability to perform routine tasks, limit achievement at school and work, impact social relationships, and cause impairment in overall quality of life.

2018 survey of healthcare providers & people living with narcolepsy highlights the need for more education & new treatment options.

0%

n=173
agreed that the disorder
is life changing

0%

n=135
agreed that they never feel
like a "normal" person

0%

n=159
agreed that life
is a daily struggle

0%

n=152
agreed that it has affected
important moments
in their lives

0%

n=130


reported social changes, like not going out as much to events, dinners, movies, and family events

0%

n=71


reported physical changes, like changing jobs, moving, and being unable to cook or bathe when no one is around

0%

n=57


reported emotional changes, like not showing emotions as much
Full Infographic Image