The most common symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, especially when the person isn't active. Some people with narcolepsy may also have sleep attacks that last about 15 to 30 minutes, and that can happen at any time.
About 60 percent of people with narcolepsy have a symptom called cataplexy — a sudden episode of muscle weakness while awake. Cataplexy is triggered by emotions, most often positive emotions, such as laughter. But it can also be triggered by negative emotions, such as anger and frustration. Cataplexy usually begins with muscle weakness in the face and neck and spreads to muscles of the body and limbs. In mild cases, it can cause a sagging face or slurred speech. In severe cases, it can cause the child to collapse to the ground, unable to move for a few minutes. Cataplexy usually only occurs in people with type 1 narcolepsy.
Other symptoms of narcolepsy can include:
- Visual hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up
- Sleep paralysis (feeling like the body is paralyzed or heavy when waking from sleep)
- Waking often during the night
- Attention problems, memory issues, hyperactivity, or behavior problems
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Walking, talking, or yelling in sleep
- Kicking or restless movement while sleeping
- Obesity
- Early puberty
Generally, people with type 1 narcolepsy (narcolepsy and cataplexy) have more severe symptoms.
The symptoms of narcolepsy most often start between ages 10 and 19. However, it’s becoming more common for children to be diagnosed before 10.
