There are two types of narcolepsy.
- Narcolepsy with cataplexy: This type of narcolepsy involves a combination of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle tone while you are awake. A cataplexy attack may lead to slurred speech and buckling knees. In more severe cases, it can cause complete paralysis. Strong emotions, such as joy, surprise, laughter or anger, usually trigger the cataplexy attacks.
- Narcolepsy without cataplexy: This type of narcolepsy involves continuous excessive sleepiness but no sudden loss of muscle tone. You may take a nap for a couple of hours and wake up feeling refreshed. However, after a short time, you feel tired again.