Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder of the sleep/waking regulating mechanism, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. Its most common manifestation is an irresistible urge to fall asleep, even in circumstances such as in the middle of a meal.

Another usual symptom is a sudden loss of muscular control triggered by amusement, anger or excitement, which is called cataplexy. The effects of cataplexy range from dropping of jaw and slumping of head, to buckling of the legs and even collapse of the whole body; they last for a few seconds or up to many minutes.

Visit our library to read Narcolepsy : a funny disorder that's no laughing matter by Marguerite J. Utley.