How do new narcolepsy treatments affect abnormal REM sleep?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Narcolepsy treatments such as selegiline and sodium oxybate can help regulate abnormal REM sleep patterns by reducing sleep disruptions and improving overall sleep quality. These medications work by targeting the underlying neurological imbalances that cause excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and fragmented nighttime sleep common in narcolepsy.

If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent daytime drowsiness, sudden muscle weakness, or disrupted sleep, understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights into what may be happening and clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if narcolepsy symptoms need care today Discover likely causes of daytime sleepiness See if REM sleep issues suggest narcolepsy Find OTC options for daytime sleepiness Find a doctor for narcolepsy care Understand home remedies for narcolepsy symptoms Find out if it could be narcolepsy

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Explanation

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects how people experience REM sleep, often causing them to enter REM sleep too quickly or at inappropriate times. If you're experiencing unusual sleep patterns or excessive daytime sleepiness, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be happening.

Selegiline: According to one study, selegiline can help change REM sleep patterns in people with narcolepsy. This treatment may lead to fewer disruptions in REM sleep, which helps improve overall sleep quality.

Sodium Oxybate: Another study shows that sodium oxybate can also help with nighttime sleep problems in people with narcolepsy. It works by reducing the number of times sleep is disrupted, allowing for more restful and continuous sleep.

These treatments are important because they help people with narcolepsy sleep better at night, which can improve their daytime alertness and overall quality of life. It's important to talk to a doctor about these treatments to see if they are right for you.

(References)

Mamelak M. (2009). Narcolepsy and depression and the neurobiology .... Progress in neurobiology, 19654034.
Reinish LW, MacFarlane JG, Sandor P, & Shapiro CM. (1995). REM changes in narcolepsy with selegiline. Sleep, 7676170.
Roth T, Dauvilliers Y, Guinta D, Alvarez-Horine S, Dynin E, & Black J. (2017). Effect of sodium oxybate on disrupted nighttime sleep in .... Journal of sleep research, 27807903.

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