How do doctors diagnose narcolepsy through sleep studies?

Doctors use special tests to find out if someone has narcolepsy. Two important tests are the polysomnography and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).

Polysomnography is done overnight in a sleep lab. It checks your brain waves, heart rate, and breathing while you sleep. This helps doctors see if you have any sleep problems.

MSLT happens the next day. It checks how quickly you fall asleep during the day. You will take five short naps every two hours. If you fall asleep very quickly, it might mean you have narcolepsy.

These tests are important because they help doctors understand your sleep patterns. By using both tests, doctors can make sure they are giving you the right diagnosis. If you have any questions about these tests, you can talk to a doctor for more information.