

However, individuals with low levels of hypocretin but without cataplexy are often reclassified as having Type 1 narcolepsy. People with this type of narcolepsy generally experience less severe symptoms than those with Type 1. The causes of narcolepsy without cataplexy, or narcolepsy Type 2, are a little less straightforward. 3 Causes of narcolepsy without cataplexy (Type 2) Infections, such as cold or flu, are also thought to trigger narcolepsy in those who are already predisposed. Autoimmune disorders and brain injuries can also reduce levels of hypocretin. If you have someone in your family with narcolepsy, it makes you more likely to develop it, as you may have a genetic lack of hypocretin. One of these is your genetic family history. There are several narcolepsy Type 1 risk factors. 2 This often results in slipping between dreaming and waking, cataplexy, and hallucinations. When the neurons that create these neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus die off, it can make one sleepy and unable to control the REM sleep cycles. The presence of hypocretin helps to prevent REM sleep from occurring at inopportune times. This neurotransmitter helps to regulate sleep and promote alertness. 1 This form of narcolepsy is typically understood as a neurological condition, as it is almost always accompanied by low levels of the brain chemical hypocretin. There are some neurological indicators in people with narcolepsy with cataplexy, or narcolepsy Type 1. Causes of narcolepsy with cataplexy (Type 1)

Conversely, narcolepsy Type 1 is more common, and whose causes are better understood. The cause of Type 2 narcolepsy is not well understood, and there are many differing opinions as to its causes. Type 1 is identified as narcolepsy with cataplexy, or sudden loss of muscle control, while Type 2 is narcolepsy without cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a long-term, chronic sleep disorder that is commonly identified by its excessive daytime sleepiness and “sleep attacks.” There are two main types of narcolepsy.


Speech may be slurred, and eyesight impaired (double vision, inability to focus) but hearing and awareness remain undisturbed. The loss of muscle tone that occurs may range from a just-perceptible weakening of the facial muscles through weakness at the knees, to total collapse on the floor. Cataplexy is the term given to sudden muscular weakness triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, anger and surprise.
