Narcolepsy is a life-long sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. With a prevalence of approximately 1 in 2000 individuals, a speedy diagnosis is typically rare. Oftentimes, individuals with narcolepsy also have other co-occurring medical conditions which can make a proper diagnosis difficult.
Narcolepsy presents unique challenges that negatively affect various facets of a person’s life. Even when an individual is optimally treated for their narcolepsy symptoms, other health, social, academic, and/or work-related issues may still be present. Attention to these potential co-morbidities associated with narcolepsy is essential to the comprehensive treatment and management plans.