Narcolepsy

About one in 2,000 people suffers from narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that causes the sufferer to fall asleep at times when he or she wants to be awake. In addition to an overwhelming and recurring need to sleep at inappropriate times, narcolepsy may cause symptoms associated with REM sleep including Cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle control ranging from slight weakness (head droop, facial sagging, jaw drop, slurred speech, buckling of knees) to total collapse. It is commonly triggered by intense emotion (laughter, anger, surprise, fear) or strenuous physical activity.