Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The essential symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which means that you get overcome by an irresistible need to sleep during the day, and you can feel tired all the time. EDS is usually the first symptom that people notice.

Symptoms Of Narcolepsy

Although narcolepsy is often thought of as an adult condition, symptoms most commonly start in childhood or adolescence. Symptoms can look and feel different in children than in adults. Take a look at each symptom below to find out how these symptoms can appear in children and adults.
 

EDS is not the only symptom. Learn about all 5 major symptoms of narcolepsy:

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) icon

An uncontrollable urge to sleep, often at inappropriate times

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
cataplexy icon

Weakening of muscles (knee buckle, jaw sag, eye droop, etc) with strong emotions like laughter

Cataplexy
disrupted nighttime sleep icon

Poor-quality sleep at night (you fall asleep easily but have trouble staying asleep)

Disrupted Nighttime Sleep
sleep paralysis icon

Feeling unable to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up

Sleep Paralysis
vivid dreamlike experiences icon

Vivid (often frightening) dreamlike experiences when falling asleep or waking up

Hypnagogic/ Hypnopompic Hallucinations

While all people with narcolepsy have EDS, you don’t need to have all 5 symptoms to have narcolepsy.

Suspect narcolepsy 
symptoms?

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You may be at risk for other conditions too

Learn about medical conditions that can affect people with narcolepsy
Impact on daily lives.

Impact on Daily Lives

"I'm at my desk, and I would get so sleepy I couldn't sit there and concentrate."

Hear how narcolepsy can affect patients' lives.

The content on this site is not meant to replace a conversation with a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist can evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis.