Abnormal psychologyNarcolepsyNarcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness. This disorder causes a number of symptoms which will be discussed in more depth later, but they are: excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Scientists and researchers believe that the cause of narcolepsy is a genetic mutation. This disorder can cause serious disruptions to a person's daily life and routine and can cause harm to the person with the disorder and those around them. Case studies, research, and animal testing have been conducted to further understand the cause of this disorder and possible treatments or medications. That since 2014 there have been drugs to help those suffering from this disorder but there is no cure. To better understand this disorder we need to delve deeper into the topics I have touched on and more deeply into the disorder in general. We'll go over all the topics mentioned above and more. To understand what causes narcolepsy, scientists conducted experiments on animals. Specifically dogs and mice. These animals suffered from narcolepsy and after investigations a genetic mutation was noticed in some animals that made them narcoleptic. Dogs who had the mutation also had a “deficiency in a hypociency receptor, the neurotransmitter that blocks communication between brain cells, particularly messages about when the body should be awake.” (R. Ballie magazine article) Scientists found that if they injected hypocretin into dogs, it could reverse narcolepsy. This is good but it doesn't mean there is a cure for the disorder because humans are much more complex than dogs and mice. Along with... middle of paper... m when you have a lack of sleep. It can be frustrating and stressful for the person with narcolepsy to stay awake at night and not be able to sleep. They are also tired most of the day and take naps to try to stay awake. But again, when a narcoleptic sleeps, they have abnormal sleep cycles. To help those suffering from this disorder, medicines to help you sleep at night or medicines to help you stay awake during the day may be prescribed. Changing chemicals in the brain to correct when to feel tired or when to feel awake. Forcing yourself to stay awake during the day and not take naps can help you feel more tired at night and follow a more normal sleep schedule. Overall, if left untreated, this can be a dangerous and annoying disorder, but with the right medications it can improve and you can live a normal life.