Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder, possibly resulting from a biochemical defect that affects the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It generally first appears in a individual’s teens but can occur at any age. It is rare, however, for narcolepsy to first appear in someone who is past forty. Narcolepsy afflicts both sexes equally and tends to run through families. Suffers tend to get poor grades in school and to have numerous study problems due to their inability to read, study, concentrate, memorize, or pay attention. Later in life, this places limitations on their career alternatives, resulting in a low level of job satisfaction, frequent job loss, a loss of income, and low self-esteem.

Narcoleptics tend to have poor interpersonal relationships, become alcoholics, have high divorce rates, suffer from a decreased sexual libido and impotence, and experience a great deal of depression and other psychiatric problems. One person in every 1,000 is affected, and sufferers complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, often expressed as tiredness, lack of energy, or irresistible sleepiness. They may suddenly drop off to sleep at any time. Most commonly, attacks occur while the individual is watching TV, reading, listening to a lecture, or engaging in an activity that does not have their full attention. Attacks can also occur while walking, bike riding, eating, talking, or driving.