Can narcolepsy develop later in life, and what are the signs?

People with narcolepsy usually start to experience symptoms as a child, teenager, or young adult, but occasionally narcolepsy can develop and be diagnosed in people who are older. A key sign of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness. Also, some (but not all) people with narcolepsy can experience episodes of sudden muscle weakness usually triggered by strong emotions.

A Few Symptoms of Narcolepsy

1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: This means feeling very tired during the day, even if you have had enough sleep at night. (Health conditions beyond narcolepsy can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider to determine if sleepiness is related to narcolepsy or another cause.)
2. Cataplexy: This is when you suddenly lose strength in your muscles, often triggered by strong emotions. Not all people with narcolepsy experience cataplexy.

If you are wondering if you have narcolepsy, a healthcare provider can provide a personalized medical assessment and appropriate treatment plan. Also, more information about narcolepsy is available at https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/narcolepsy/.