www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org

PO Box 60293Worcester, MA 01606wakeupnarcolepsy.org

facebook.com/wakeupnarcolepsytwitter.com/wakenarcolepsy

(978) 751-DOZE (3693)

Wake Up Narcolepsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

dedicated to educating the public about the debilitating effects of narcolepsy

and funding research to find improved treatments and a cure.

We sponsor awareness and fundraising events across the United States and Canada,

and we serve people living with narcolepsy in all corners of the globe

Wake Up Narcolepsy is the

only U.S. nonprofit organization raising funds for narcolepsy research.

From Shadowsinto the Light

Advancing Narcolepsy Awareness

and Research

www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org

Advancing ResearchWake Up Narcolepsy’s research program accelerates the pace of medical discovery toward finding improved treatment and a cure for narcolepsy.

Our events and other outreach generate funds to support this vital research.

“Wake Up Narcolepsy’s contributions to our research have

been essential to better understanding and treating patients with narcolepsy.

We hope one day this research will finally lead to a cure.”

Dr. Emmanuel MignotDirector, Center for Narcolepsy

Stanford University School of Medicine

Other recipients of WUN research funds include Harvard University and Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto.

Raising AwarenessWake Up Narcolepsy sponsors many forms of outreach to raise narcolepsy awareness and generate research funds.

Boston Marathon running teams and awareness

walks

Golf outings

For every birdie she scores, LPGA

golfer and PWN Nicol Jeray is raising funds

for WUN.nicolejeray.com

Awareness and fundraising events of all kinds

What Is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep/wake disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 people, or

200,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, many individuals with narcolepsy remain undiagnosed and untreated. People with narcolepsy (PWN) and cataplexy have lost the brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter hypocretin, or orexin, which controls the sleep/wake cycle. Symptoms can include:

► Overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Narcolepsy is the second leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness.

► Cataplexy — a sudden episode of muscle weakness or complete collapse triggered by laughter, surprise, or other strong emotion. About 60% of PWN also have cataplexy.

► Abnormal REM sleep and fragmented nighttime sleep.

► Hypnagogic hallucinations — dream-like, often terrifying auditory or visual hallucinations while dozing or falling asleep.

► Sleep paralysis — inability to move when waking up or falling asleep.

Individuals with narcolepsy enter REM sleep within minutes of falling asleep, depriving them of deeper, restful sleep. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but symptoms can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. In addition to medications prescribed by the patient’s doctor, behavioral strategies are often required as well. For example, scheduled 20-30 minute naps throughout the day help with EDS, as does good sleep hygiene.

Even with proper medical treatment, life with narcolepsy is never normal.

www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org

Diagnosis and Treatment

Two specialized medical procedures are necessary to diagnosis narcolepsy: the

nocturnal polysomnogram, followed the next day by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).

Symptoms usually manifest themselves in early adulthood, adolescence, or earlier. Sometimes onset follows a viral infection that places great strain on the immune system.

Research suggests that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. Brain cells that produce a neurotransmitter called hypocretin, or orexin, are attacked and destroyed by the person’s own immune system. Deprived of hypycretin, the brain can no longer properly regulate the sleep/wake cycle.

www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org

Please Get Involved! ► Attend our events. ► With our help, plan an awareness event of your own.

► Spread the word among friends, family, and colleagues.

► Make a donation to support research and awareness.

Narcolepsy Fast FactsNarcolepsy often begins during

adolescence or young adulthood.

Children as young as three have been diagnosed with the disorder.

It is not uncommon for six to eight years to pass before

a proper diagnosis is made.

Narcolepsy can affect academic and professional performance, and makes

interpersonal relationships more challenging.

Current research indicates that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder.

Treatment can help, but there is not yet a cure.