So what is the cause? It's still a mystery, although some research has linked strep throat before you're 21 and narcolepsy with cataplexy. Other research shows a certain gene can increase the probability.
The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. We know that in some people genetics may be involved. We know that people with narcolepsy have a problem with the natural rhythm of sleep and waking, and that this rhythm is controlled by brain chemistry. As a result, we know that a chemical imbalance in the brain is at least part of the problem. At this time, the exact problem in brain chemistry has not been worked out.
The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. It is believed to be linked to a lack of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which may be due to a deficiency of hypocretin, a brain chemical which helps control sleep patterns. When most people sleep, they start out in a state of non-REM. Typically, they sleep in that state for about an hour before going into a state of REM sleep. But if you have narcolepsy, you skip non-REM and go right into REM. Narcolepsy may have a genetic component. Also, exposure to certain substances may play a part.
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