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Why choose Geisinger for narcolepsy treatment?

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks and other symptoms that affect work, school and daily activities. Our sleep medicine specialists work to understand your symptoms, establish an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Diagnosing narcolepsy may involve a sleep study, a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and other evaluations to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Depending on your situation, we may recommend added testing such as genetic testing or hypocretin (orexin) measurement.

Treatment focuses on helping you manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life. Care plans may include medication, counseling and strategies to support healthy sleep habits and daytime alertness.

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FAQs

What’s narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Some people with narcolepsy also have symptoms such as cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations and insomnia. Although there’s no cure for narcolepsy, treatment can help manage symptoms.

How do you diagnose narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy diagnosis often begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history and sleep patterns. Your provider may recommend a sleep study followed by a multiple sleep latency test to measure how quickly you fall asleep during the day. Additional testing, including genetic testing or hypocretin (orexin) measurement, may be used in certain situations.

Can you develop narcolepsy as an adult?

Yes. Although narcolepsy symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence, the condition can develop later in life. Family history, autoimmune conditions, infections and certain brain injuries have been associated with an increased risk of narcolepsy. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

How do you treat narcolepsy?

While there’s no cure for narcolepsy, treatment can make a real difference in how you feel and function day to day. Depending on your needs, your care team may recommend medication, lifestyle adjustments that support healthy sleep habits and counseling or support services.

Narcolepsy treatment at Geisinger

Narcolepsy treatment focuses on helping you manage symptoms and maintain your daily routine. We offer:

  • Experienced sleep medicine specialists: Our providers have expertise in diagnosing and treating narcolepsy and other complex sleep disorders.
  • Accredited sleep centers: Our sleep centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — a standard that reflects the quality and consistency of your care.
  • Personalized treatment plans: Treatment recommendations are tailored to your symptoms, goals and lifestyle to support long-term symptom management.
  • Care close to home: Sleep medicine services are available in central and northeastern Pennsylvania for consultations, testing and follow-up care.