define narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day, and disruptions to sleep patterns. People with narcolepsy often experience vivid hallucinations and sleep paralysis, and may also have cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by emotions such as laughter or anger. Narcolepsy is caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitter hypocretin, which regulates wakefulness and sleep cycles. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes