Co-Morbidities Associated with Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a life-long sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. With a prevalence of approximately 1 in 2000 individuals, a speedy diagnosis is typically rare. Oftentimes, individuals with narcolepsy also have other co-occurring medical conditions which can make a proper diagnosis difficult.
Narcolepsy presents unique challenges that negatively affect various facets of a person’s life. Even when an individual is optimally treated for the narcolepsy symptoms, other health, social, academic, and/or work-related issues may still be present. Attention to these potential co-morbidities associated with narcolepsy is essential to the comprehensive treatment and management plans.
High Blood Pressure Cognitive Deficits
10 Eating Disorders
Psychiatric/ Mental Health Disorders
1
High Cholesterol
2
9
3
8
4 7
Precocious Puberty
6 Weight Gain
24 | Autumn 2021 | Daytime Sleepiness
5 Chronic Pain
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease