Narcolepsy and Mental Health | Science 37 Studies

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder with no known cause. It affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. Under normal circumstances, the sleep-wake cycle includes various stages that gradually transition from light sleep to deep sleep and finally to REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

Narcolepsy and Mental Health **Narcolepsy and mental health** are closely linked, with narcolepsy often leading to anxiety, depression, and cognitive challenges.

Depression and Anxiety According to a survey, about 57% of narcolepsy patients said they’re depressed. In contrast, only about 4.7% of adults in the US say they have regular feelings of depression. At the same time, about 35% of people with narcolepsy had anxiety disorders like social phobias and panic attacks. That compares to about 18% of the general population.