Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy causes excessive daytime sleepiness, often called sleep attacks. Our sleep medicine team helps diagnose and manage narcolepsy to improve safety, well-being and quality of life.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness, sometimes called sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy may feel overwhelmingly tired during the day, making it difficult to stay awake at work, in class, or at home. The condition can affect daily activities, relationships, safety, and overall well-being.

How TidalHealth Can Help
Our sleep medicine team understands the challenges of narcolepsy. We offer sleep studies and daytime testing to help diagnose and manage the condition. One useful test, the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, measures your ability to stay awake during the day, guiding treatment and safety decisions. We take time to listen, answer questions, and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

The right treatment can help you stay alert, safer, and more engaged in daily life. If you notice frequent daytime sleepiness or unexpected sleep episodes, TidalHealth is here to support you.

What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes sudden, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks. People may fall asleep unexpectedly during daily activities.

What are the signs of narcolepsy?

  • Very sleepy during the day
  • Falling asleep at inappropriate times
  • Trouble staying awake during everyday activities
  • Irritability, memory problems, or low energy
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep at night

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a sleep study or a daytime test like the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, which helps assess sleep patterns and daytime alertness.

What treatments are available for narcolepsy?
Treatment is individualized and may include lifestyle changes, medication, and support to manage symptoms and improve safety and daily functioning.

How long does it take to get test results?
Sleep specialists usually review results within two weeks. Your doctor will contact you to discuss results and next steps for treatment.