How does narcolepsy with cataplexy differ from narcolepsy without cataplexy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people very sleepy during the day. It can be divided into two main types: narcolepsy with cataplexy and narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

• This type includes sudden episodes of muscle weakness, known as cataplexy, which can be triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise. These episodes can cause a person to suddenly collapse or become weak but are usually brief.

Narcolepsy without Cataplexy

• In this type, people do not experience the sudden muscle weakness. They still have excessive daytime sleepiness but without the cataplexy episodes.

Both types of narcolepsy cause people to feel very sleepy during the day and may disturb their nighttime sleep. The main difference is the presence of cataplexy in one type and its absence in the other. If you have questions or concerns about mental health related to sleep disorders, please visit 988lifeline.org.