The hidden signs of narcolepsy: Why workplace sleepiness isn’t always ‘just tiredness’

But have you considered that you could have narcolepsy? Around 30,000 people in the UK have the condition, but it's not widely understood.

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, and those who are affected experience an uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day.

As an expert in sleep apnoea, I've seen how sleep disorders can impact patients' mental and physical health. Healthy sleep patterns help us to function and perform at our best, and if you're constantly fighting the urge to get some shut eye during the day, it's important to get help.

Here are the telltale signs that your workplace sleepiness may be more than just tiredness.

You're constantly drowsy

Our lives are getting more and more demanding, so it's no surprise that most of us feel tired and may feel drowsy at work from time to time.

But narcolepsy takes this one step further. People with the condition often feel an uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day and feel a constant sense of drowsiness.

Narcolepsy can also cause sudden sleep attacks which can occur at any time, often without warning, and can take place several times throughout the day if not kept under control. This clearly has a big impact on daily activities and quality of life, whether it's at home or work.

If this sounds like you, it's important not to ignore your symptoms.

You have sleep paralysis

Not everyone with narcolepsy will have the same symptoms, but if you've experienced sleep paralysis it's something for you to keep in mind.

Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up and can last between a few seconds or a few minutes.

It's not necessarily dangerous, but can be a scary and disorientating experience. Sleep paralysis can affect anyone, but happens more regularly if you have narcolepsy too.

You experience sudden muscle weakness

If your muscles suddenly start to go weak when you are awake [usually when you are experiencing certain emotions such as laughter], you may have narcolepsy.

Otherwise know as cataplexy, this muscle weakness can include jaw dropping, head slumping, slurred speech, legs collapsing, or even double vision. Cataplexy is one of the main symptoms of narcolepsy, and episodes can vary from a few times a day to a few times a year.

If this is something you've experienced, particularly alongside chronic tiredness, your workplace sleepiness may be more than meets the eye.

What can be done to help?

There's no specific cure for narcolepsy, but the symptoms can be managed.

Improving your sleeping habits is a good place to start and can help you have a better nights' sleep, helping to reduce daytime dozing. Taking naps, sticking to a relaxing evening routine, and avoiding caffeine before bed can all help.

Communicating openly about the challenges of narcolepsy with colleagues is also important, and many employers will be able to accommodate your needs, such as implementing flexible working.

In the most severe cases you may need medication, so it's always a good idea to seek professional help.

Feeling tired is unfortunately an inevitable part of life, but sometimes feeling sleepy can be more than it seems on the surface. Narcolepsy can be disruptive and frustrating, but if it's managed effectively, your quality of life will improve immeasurably.