Can narcolepsy be triggered by infections like strep throat?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where people suddenly feel very sleepy or fall asleep. Some researchers have looked into whether infections, like strep throat, might trigger narcolepsy.

• Streptococcal Infection: One study suggests that there might be a connection between strep infections and narcolepsy. They found that some people with narcolepsy had high levels of antibodies against strep bacteria.

• Antibody Levels: Another study found that people with narcolepsy often had higher levels of antibodies against strep, which could mean their bodies were reacting strongly to the infection.

• Ongoing Research: However, the research is not complete, and scientists are still working to understand how these infections might cause narcolepsy. It's important to know that not everyone who gets a strep infection will develop narcolepsy.

If you have more questions about narcolepsy or sleep disorders, it's best to talk to a healthcare professional. For mental health support, please visit 988lifeline.org.