Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness.

Causes
Its causes are not clear.

Symptoms

• Sudden attacks of sleep, especially during day time
• Disturbed night sleep
• Cataplexy or temporary loss of muscle tone and control
• Sleep paralysis or temporary inability to talk or move during beginning or ending of sleep
• Hypnagogic hallucination or dream like experiences during ending or beginning of sleep
• Automatic behavior or doing activities without being aware of doing them

Treatment
There is no cure for narcolepsy but symptoms can be managed by:

• Medications like stimulants, antidepressants and  sodium oxybate
• Planned short naps during the day
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before sleeping

Prevention
Since the causes are not clear, there is no known way to prevent narcolepsy.