The person can be readily aroused from the attack as anyone can be from normal sleep. The person may feel refreshed on awakening, yet falls asleep again in a few minutes. Momentary paralysis may be experienced with sudden emotional reactions, such as anger, fear, joy or surprise. Temporary weakness in limbs may produce an injury or a fall. The cause of narcolepsy is unknown.
Symptoms usually begin in adolescents or young adults and are life-long.
People with narcolepsy should avoid situations in which a sudden sleep attack might be dangerous. This includes activities like driving, skiing, and operating machinery or power tools. Not all excessive sleepiness is caused by narcolepsy. Your healthcare provider can evaluate the cause of excessive sleepiness. If narcolepsy is diagnosed, certain stimulant drugs and anti-depressants may reduce the symptoms.