Research on the causes of narcolepsy is still being researched. However, it’s thought to be primarily caused by the brain not producing enough hypocretin (also known as orexin), which is the chemical primarily responsible for regulating sleep. This deficiency may be the result of a malfunctioning immune system that mistakenly attacks the parts of the brain responsible for producing hypocretin. However, this is not the cause of all cases. There are several other factors that may increase the risk of narcolepsy. They are: • An inherited genetic defect • Hormonal fluctuations • Major psychological stress or trauma • An abrupt change in sleep patterns • An infection (for example, swine flu, streptococcal infection, etc.) • Receiving the flu vaccine Pandemrix While research is still being done on these potential contributing factors, they should always be taken into consideration for a well-rounded diagnosis and treatment plan from your sleep specialist.