Narcolepsy, a "sleeping disorder"?

The narcoleptic syndrome in its most specific way is characterized by a set of clinical symptoms, including cataplexy, irresistable sleep episodes, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleepparalysis; the syndrome has been defined by the association of excessive day-time somnolence and REM-sleep abnormalities. In principle, anamnestic information is sufficient to establish the clinical diagnosis, although neuro-physiological and biochemical data(CSF monoamine metabolites and HLA-typology) are sometimes needed to support the diagnostic procedure. Treatment of excessive daytime somnolence is still primarily based upon CNS stimulants, while treatment of cataplexy and related symptoms rests on antidepressants with a primarily serotonergic mode of action.