What Causes Narcolepsy?

The question of what causes Narcolepsy is one that doctors and scientists still aren't able to answer with any real degree of certainty.

Of course, for sufferers of this sleep disorder, that isn't very reassuring!

... and that they may work in combination with one another.

What the experts say!

Hypocretin helps regulate your sleep/wake cycles, and keeps you in a state of wakefulness. The area of the brain that researchers have found to be damaged/abnormal is one that controls the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. It's thought likely that a combination of these factors, plus possibly others as yet unknown, hold the answer to the question 'what is narcolepsy?".

Two other contributing causes, are a genetic component which puts some people at a higher risk of developing this disorder. If they are then exposed to additional 'triggers' such as infection/injury of the brain or horomonal changes, this can trigger narcolepsy symptoms.

A traumatic brain injury, even in someone without a genetic link, can also be one of the causes of narcolepsy.

The 'Big Picture'

• A genetic pre-disposition/hereditary factors ( may account for up to 10% of narcolepsy sufferers)


• Brain damage due to infection, auto-immune disease or trauma.


• Hormonal changes/fluctuations


• Decreased levels of the brain chemical hypocretin.


• Significant stress

Some things that may increase your risk of developing narcolepsy include -

• Having a close relative (parent or sibling) who is a narcoleptic.


• Suffering head trauma or brain infection


• Diabetes


• Suffering from an auto-immune disease or certain thyroid diseases.


• Being at a life-stage where you are experiencing significant hormonal changes,

Although the above causes/risk factors contribute to our understanding of what causes narcolepsy, scientists and researchers still have a long way to go before they have any solid working knowledge of the underlying mechanics of this sleep disorder.

The symptoms of narcolepsy can wreak havoc on every area of your life, and if you believe you're suffering from this disorder it's vital to discuss it with your doctor.

An accurate diagnosis will help you find the treatment you need. Once you can control and manage this problem, your sleep patterns will become much more normal and your quality of life will finally be on the upward swing!

Page/Article Links: