Occasionally, it follows brain infection or head injury. Your own observation of symptoms. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Symptoms can worsen with aging. However, in women, symptoms can improve after menopause.
Medication can decrease the frequency of sleep attacks.
See Resources for Additional Information. Stimulants that increase levels of daytime alertness. Don't engage in any activity that carries the risk of injury from a sudden sleep attack. These include activities such as driving long distances, climbing ladders or working around dangerous machinery. Exercise can sometimes decrease the number of sleep attacks.