The main signs of narcolepsy are excessive daytime sleepiness and need for naps.2 Symptoms may develop slowly over many years, or suddenly over the course of a few weeks.2
While increased sleepiness is normally the first symptom to appear, most people with narcolepsy also suffer from ‘cataplexy’ – a sudden, brief muscle weakness or loss of muscular control in the jaw, arms/legs or whole body, that occurs while the person is awake.2,3 Depending on the location of the muscle weakness, it can cause a person’s head to bob, their jaw to drop, or it can even make them fall over.2 Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions and, in particular, it is associated with laughing and excitement.2
In children, cataplexy can primarily affect the face and may look slightly different – for example, grimacing, mouth opening, or a ‘tongue thrusting’ movement. Children may also feel whole body weakness, and cataplexy in children can occur without laughing or joking.3
Before falling asleep or upon wakening, people with narcolepsy may experience hallucinations, or feel awake but be unable to move.3 During sleep, they may have vivid dreams and nightmares, and may physically act out their dreams.3