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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Narcolepsy

Condition: Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness and sleep attacks at inappropriate times. If you have narcolepsy, you can experience disturbed nocturnal sleep and an abnormal daytime sleep pattern.

Sometimes narcolepsy is confused with insomnia. When falling asleep, narcoleptics generally experience the REM stage of sleep within five minutes, whereas most people do not experience REM sleep until an hour or so later.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy occurs in approximately one out of every 2,000 people. Symptoms of narcolepsy include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone that leads to feelings of weakness and loss of muscle control)
  • Hallucinations
  • Sleep paralysis

Narcolepsy usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25, but it can become apparent at any age. In many cases, narcolepsy is undiagnosed and, as a result, untreated. A physical exam and extensive medical history are necessary to properly diagnose narcolepsy. Diagnosis can be difficult if the sleep attacks are isolated or if cataplexy is mild or absent. Sleep studies or tests are usually required before a diagnosis.

Although narcolepsy cannot be cured, treatment can help patients significantly. Treatment is individualized for your particular case. Oral medications are the main treatment method of narcolepsy, but lifestyle changes can also be an improvement for patients.

Providers Treating Narcolepsy

Note that every treatment or procedure listed above may not be provided by each provider listed below. Review each provider for availability.

Khaled R. Khasawneh, M.D. Pulmonologist

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Gregory S. Krulin, M.D.

Gregory S. Krulin, M.D. Psychiatrist

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Joyce A. Moore, CNP Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

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Locations Where Providers Treat Narcolepsy

Exterior of UAMS - Financial Center Parkway

Sleep Clinic

11300 Financial Centre Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 686-8000
New and Returning Patients
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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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