BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body.
But did you know that some people suddenly fall asleep at any time and place, even when they are not tired?
This condition is known as narcolepsy.
Sleep is one of the most common ways people rest after a long day of work or school.
Many experience drowsiness, especially when sleep-deprived.
However, some individuals uncontrollably fall asleep while working, driving, or even during conversations.
This could be a symptom of narcolepsy, a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness.
Experts say narcolepsy is caused by a deficiency of hypothalamic orexin, a chemical in the brain responsible for regulating sleep and energy levels.
Studies suggest it may be linked to genetics, immune system disorders, or infections that affect brain function.
Narcolepsy is not a newly discovered condition. In 1880, French neurologist Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau first used the term “narcolepsy” to describe a patient’s sudden sleep episodes.
Aside from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), those with narcolepsy may also experience cataplexy—a sudden loss of muscle control triggered by strong emotions such as joy or fear.
Some may also suffer from sleep paralysis and hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up.
Although there is no known cure for narcolepsy, treatments are available to manage its symptoms.
These include stimulant medications to prevent sudden sleep episodes, antidepressants for cataplexy, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular nap schedule and avoiding sleep-disrupting triggers.
While narcolepsy remains rare in the Philippines, many cases go undiagnosed, as symptoms are often mistaken for simple fatigue or insomnia.
