Men and women are thought to be affected equally by narcolepsy, although some studies have suggested the condition may be more common in men. The symptoms of narcolepsy often begin during adolescence, although it's usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
Was Winston Churchill a narcoleptic?
In the meantime, individuals suffering from narcolepsy learn the best ways to cope. Perhaps the most famous narcoleptic in history, Winston Churchill, evidently made the most of it, offering some words of wisdom: "You must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner... Take off your clothes and get into bed...8 jun 2012
Is Narcolepsy more common in males or females?
Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition that affects an estimated one in 1,000 to 1,500 people. Although it occurs in both men and women, it is slightly more common among men. The condition can begin at any age, although its symptoms usually appear between the ages of 10 and 20.
Where is narcolepsy most common?
Narcolepsy affects about 1 in 2,000 people in the United States and Western Europe. However, the disorder is likely underdiagnosed, particularly in people with mild symptoms. Worldwide, narcolepsy appears to be most common in Japan, where it affects an estimated 1 in 600 people.
Does narcolepsy worsen with age?
Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, but it does not usually worsen as the person ages. Symptoms can partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely. The most typical symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations.15 nov 2021
What famous person has narcolepsy?
Jimmy Kimmel, American television late night personality, comedian, and actor, has a rare sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy causes extreme sleepiness during the day and can cause someone to fall asleep suddenly.22 nov 2013
Who suffers narcolepsy?
Who gets narcolepsy? Narcolepsy affects both males and females equally. Symptoms often start in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood (ages 7 to 25), but can occur at any time in life. It is estimated that anywhere from 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy.15 nov 2021
How long does narcolepsy last?
Attacks often last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You remain aware during the attack. During the attack, your head falls forward, your jaw drops, and your knees may buckle. In severe cases, you may fall and stay paralyzed for as long as several minutes.
Is there anything that can be done for narcolepsy?
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help you manage the symptoms.6 nov 2020
What is the life expectancy of someone with narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is not a degenerative disease, however, and patients do not develop other neurologic symptoms. In fact, older patients often report that their symptoms decrease in severity after age 60. Apart from falls or other accidents, narcolepsy does not affect a person's life expectancy.
How does narcolepsy affect a person's life?
Narcolepsy can present challenges to daily living: in addition to sleepiness, people with narcolepsy may experience mental fogginess, poor memory, and hallucinations. Social life can be impacted when sleepiness and other symptoms disrupt conversations, social events, and plans for activities.
Will narcolepsy get worse as you age?
Whatever the age of onset, patients find that the symptoms tend to get worse over the two to three decades after the first symptoms appear. Many older patients find that some daytime symptoms decrease in severity after age 60.