I was assigned the sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is defined as being a “chronic brain disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles” (NINDS). Individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy tend to experience unexpected sleep attacks throughout the day. These “sleep attacks” are uncontrollable and often make it difficult for the person to live a normal and productive life. It is estimated that one in every two thousand people in the US is affected by this disorder.
The exact cause of narcolepsy is yet to be known, however, scientists do have some general ideas as to what contributes to it. The most popular hypothesis among scientists as to what causes this persistent sleep disorder relates to something known as hypocretin.
The exact cause of narcolepsy is yet to be known, however, scientists do have some general ideas as to what contributes to it. The most popular hypothesis among scientists as to what causes this persistent sleep disorder relates to something known as hypocretin.