Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that is characterized by persistent and excessive daytime sleepiness and an inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. In some cases, cataplexy – a sudden loss or activation of muscle tone in one or more parts of the body – can be triggered by strong emotions. Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1) occurs with cataplexy, whereas Narcolepsy Type 2 (NT2) does not.
Narcolepsy symptoms are often mistaken for mood disorders, behavioral issues, and other conditions, which result in significant delays in diagnosis. While men and women experience similar symptoms, women spend an average of 12 additional years pursuing an accurate diagnosis compared to men. Narcolepsy can present significant challenges to daily living, including managing employment, school, and relationships. There is no cure for narcolepsy, however, with proper treatment, symptoms can be stabilized and even improve over time.
The Society for Women’s Health Research has created a patient toolkit and other resources to increase awareness about narcolepsy and to help women identify symptoms earlier, reduce delays in obtaining appropriate care, and make informed decisions about treatments and long-term care management.
SWHR hosted a webinar to share educational information about narcolepsy, including diagnosing, treating, and managing care, and to highlight the experiences of women living with narcolepsy.
