Narcolepsy in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Q&A
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that impairs the brain’s capacity to regulate sleep and awakeness. Children with narcolepsy are sleepy all the time, which affects several aspects of their lives, including social activities and academic achievement. If you think your child has a sleeping disorder, take him or her to a sleep professional at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For more information contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations across the U.S. in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, and Wausau WI.


Table of Contents:
How do I know if my child has narcolepsy?
What is the root cause of narcolepsy?
At what age does narcolepsy start?
What are the triggers for narcolepsy?
There are several signs that can be caused by narcolepsy in children that are important to be aware of. These symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during activities, and abrupt muscle weakness triggered by emotions such as laughter or surprise. Children with narcolepsy often experience vivid and intense dreams as well as sleep disturbances during the night.
If you observe any of these signs in your child, seeking the expertise of a sleep professional is crucial in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive support. The sleep professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your child’s symptoms. This usually includes a medical history review, sleep diaries, and sleep studies. Each assessment is designed to provide insights into sleep patterns and disruptions to determine if narcolepsy is present.
While narcolepsy is a chronic condition, a combination of medications and behavioral interventions can be used to manage the symptoms, allowing children to lead fulfilling lives. If you suspect your child has narcolepsy, our experts are here to offer comprehensive services and support.
Narcolepsy in children is often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While narcolepsy can be triggered by a variety of factors, in about 10% of cases, the disorder has a genetic component. Specific genetic markers, such as variations in the HLA gene, have been identified among families with multiple cases of this condition.
In addition, environmental causes, including exposure to infections or major psychological stress, can also play a role in the development of this sleep disorder. For example, some cases of narcolepsy have been linked to an autoimmune response. In such cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and damages cells that produce hypocretin. Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter that’s essential for regulating wakefulness and sleep.
If your family is navigating the challenges of childhood narcolepsy, seeking guidance from a medical professional will provide options on how to manage this condition. Despite the specific cause of a child’s narcolepsy, our providers can guide you on how to manage the symptoms to enhance their quality of life.
In most cases, the initial symptoms of narcolepsy occur between 15 and 25 years. This period is a transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a critical developmental stage when the symptoms of narcolepsy often become apparent. For instance, excessive daytime sleepiness, spontaneous and uncontrolled sleep episodes, and other symptoms can occur and significantly impact various aspects of daily life, including academic and social activities. In addition, narcolepsy symptoms can start as early as age 2, in some cases.
Parents, caregivers, and educators need to be informed of the potential symptoms of narcolepsy to be able to spot them early on. If your child begins to exhibit symptoms that are characteristic of narcolepsy, it’s strongly urged that you book a visit with a sleep professional. Our team will support you throughout the entire process and determine what’s causing your child’s symptoms.
While narcolepsy triggers affect each patient differently, some of the main ones include:
– Autoimmune response – An autoimmune response can trigger narcolepsy. The immune system targets and damages cells producing hypocretin mistakenly, which causes a disruption in the body’s sleep-wake regulation.
– Infections – Certain infections, particularly respiratory infections caused by the H1N1 flu virus, have been linked to an increased risk of narcolepsy.
– Hormonal changes – Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those occurring during puberty, can trigger the development of narcolepsy.
– Genetic factors – In some cases, the condition is hereditary. Genetic markers for narcolepsy can be observed through genetic testing in such circumstances.
– Psychological factors – Major psychological stress, trauma, or sudden emotions can worsen narcolepsy symptoms.
Overall, narcolepsy can be triggered by a variety of factors, so it has to be managed comprehensively to avoid flare-ups. Our team of professionals can help you identify the main triggers of your child’s narcolepsy and suggest strategies to steer clear of them.

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