Narcolepsy is a central nervous system disease where individuals have severe sleepiness throughout the day, and difficulty maintaining sleep throughout the night. It is often associated with cataplexy, a complete loss of muscle tone in various muscles groups of the body, associated with extreme emotion, most commonly laughter. Individuals suffering from narcolepsy often complain of feelings of paralysis when transitioning in and out of sleep, termed sleep paralysis; as well as the feeling of dreaming while awake when transitioning in and out of sleep, termed hypnogogic or hypnopompic hallucinations. Contrary to popular belief, patients with narcolepsy don’t just suddenly lose consciousness; rather, it is an overwhelming need to sleep that is unavoidable. There are many FDA approved medications for the treatment of narcolepsy that essentially allow patients with narcolepsy to lead a completely normal life. For more information, go to www.sleepeducation.com/Disorder or contact the Sleep Disorders of CDS to find out more about this problem and various treatment options.