Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. People with narcolepsy often experience overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, even during activities such as eating, talking, or driving. At Sleep Health & Wellness, Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for patients with narcolepsy throughout the Metro Detroit area.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult with Dr. Tovar-Torres to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Narcolepsy occurs when the brain does not produce enough of a chemical called hypocretin (also known as orexin), which is responsible for regulating wakefulness and REM sleep. Without adequate hypocretin, the boundaries between sleep and wakefulness become disrupted, resulting in the hallmark symptoms of the condition.
There are two primary types of narcolepsy:
Type 1 Narcolepsy — Characterized by low hypocretin levels and cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or surprise
Type 2 Narcolepsy — Involves excessive daytime sleepiness without cataplexy and typically presents with normal hypocretin levels
Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include:
Narcolepsy is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and sleep testing. Dr. Tovar-Torres will review your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns in detail. Diagnostic testing may include a Polysomnogram (overnight sleep study) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which measures how quickly you fall asleep during a series of scheduled daytime naps.
While there is currently no cure for narcolepsy, symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. Dr. Tovar-Torres will develop a personalized approach tailored to your specific symptoms and lifestyle.
Stimulants, sodium oxybate, or newer wakefulness-promoting agents may be prescribed to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness and control cataplexy.
Strategic short naps throughout the day can help manage sleepiness.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and creating a safe environment to reduce risks associated with sudden sleep episodes.
If you are experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness that interferes with your daily functioning, or if you have had episodes of sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, or vivid hallucinations near sleep, a sleep evaluation is strongly recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
Contact Sleep Health & Wellness at 248-757-3557 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tovar-Torres.
If you are experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness that interferes with your daily functioning, or if you have had episodes of sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, or vivid hallucinations near sleep, a sleep evaluation is strongly recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine, giving her specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex sleep disorders including Narcolepsy.
We don’t just treat symptoms — we look for underlying causes and related conditions to develop a complete treatment plan.
If a sleep study is needed, you can complete it in the comfort of your own bed rather than spending a night in a sleep lab.
Narcolepsy management often requires adjustments over time. We provide follow-up care to ensure your treatment continues working effectively.
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare. For more information about accepted insurance plans, view our Insurance and Payments page.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that requires ongoing management. While it cannot be cured, most people with narcolepsy can lead full, active lives with the right treatment plan. Left unmanaged, narcolepsy can significantly impact your safety, work performance, and quality of life — making early diagnosis and consistent care essential.
Narcolepsy is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and sleep testing. Dr. Tovar-Torres will review your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns before recommending diagnostic testing, which typically includes a Polysomnogram (overnight sleep study) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine which type of narcolepsy you have.
There is currently no cure for narcolepsy, but symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Medications, scheduled napping, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce excessive daytime sleepiness and other symptoms, allowing you to function well in your daily life. Dr. Tovar-Torres will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Not necessarily. Treatment for narcolepsy is highly individualized. Some patients benefit from long-term medication to manage symptoms, while others are able to reduce or adjust their medications over time with lifestyle changes and scheduled napping strategies. Dr. Tovar-Torres monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed to find the best long-term approach for you.
If daytime sleepiness is interfering with your work, daily activities, or safety — especially if you experience sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, or vivid hallucinations near sleep — you should seek an evaluation as soon as possible. These symptoms can be signs of narcolepsy or another sleep disorder that responds well to treatment.
