What causes narcolepsy, including autoimmune factors?

Narcolepsy is a condition that makes people very sleepy during the day. It happens when the brain doesn’t make enough of a chemical called hypocretin, which helps control when we sleep and stay awake. Scientists believe that narcolepsy can be caused by the body’s immune system attacking the cells that produce hypocretin.

Key Points:

1. Autoimmune Factors: The immune system might mistakenly attack brain cells that produce hypocretin, leading to narcolepsy.
2. Genetic Factors: Some people might have genes that make them more likely to get narcolepsy.
3. Infections: Infections, especially those that happen in certain seasons, might trigger the immune system to attack these important brain cells.

Understanding these causes helps scientists look for better ways to treat and manage narcolepsy. If you have concerns about sleep or mental health, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or visit 988lifeline.org.