Sleep paralysis refers to the inability to move upon falling asleep or waking up. The person has conscious awareness of not being able to move. Hypnagogic hallucinations which are intense, vivid dream-like experiences that occur between wakefulness and sleep. Hallucinations can involve some or all of the senses, making it difficult to distinguish them from reality. Accompanied with sleep paralysis, the individual may experience a terrifying nightmare but will be unable to cry out or escape.
Treatment is available for narcolepsy once it has been properly diagnosed.
Even though narcolepsy is a lifelong illness, the symptoms can often be managed with a careful balance of medications, educational support and personal care. By understanding and accepting the sleepy nature of this disorder, narcoleptics can adjust their lifestyles to maximize their daily alertness and lead as full a life as possible.