Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects the sleep-wake cycle, so you feel an overwhelming urge to fall asleep at odd times of the day and night. Sleep apnea involves breathing pauses during the time that you’re asleep.

Narcolepsy means you may fall asleep at any time, even during activities such as talking or eating. A physical blockage in the throat often causes sleep apnea, but the underlying cause can also be neurological.

Despite being sleep disorders, the symptoms and treatments for each condition vary significantly.

Read more about narcolepsy and sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea and narcolepsy can both cause daytime sleepiness, although for different reasons.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea causes pauses in your breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last from seconds to minutes.

Sleep apnea is classified into three categories depending on the underlying cause:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there’s a physical obstruction in your mouth or throat when you’re sleeping.
  • Central sleep apnea: Central sleep apnea occurs when something interferes with the signal from your brain telling your body to take in air.
  • Complex sleep apnea: Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Signs and symptomsTrusted Source of sleep apnea may include:

Narcolepsy

Signs and symptoms of narcolepsy may include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness: People with narcolepsy experience sudden “sleep attacks,” in which they fall asleep without warning for seconds to minutes.
  • Cataplexy: Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone. These attacks can be minor and may involve drooping of the eyelids. Cataplexy can affect the whole body and lead to collapse.
  • Sleep paralysis: It’s common for people with narcolepsy to experience sleep paralysis, a temporary inability to move while at the edge of sleep.
  • Hallucinations: Some people experience vivid hallucinations, usually visual, as they’re falling asleep and during naps.
  • Interrupted sleep: Many people with narcolepsy have difficulty staying asleep at night despite daytime sleepiness.
  • Automatic behavior while sleeping: People with narcolepsy may fall asleep during an activity, such as talking or eating, and go on for seconds or minutes with no awareness of what they’re doing.

Both sleep apnea and narcolepsy have multiple potential causes.

Sleep apnea causes

Blockages in your throat or neurological problems can cause sleep apnea. Contributing factors may include:

Narcolepsy causes

Narcolepsy can be type 1 or type 2. People with type 1 narcolepsy experience cataplexy, while people with type 2 don’t.

Almost everyoneTrusted Source with type 1 narcolepsy has low levels of the protein hypocretin in the nervous system. This protein helps regulate sleep cycles and promote wakefulness. Several factors may contribute to abnormal levels of this protein, including:

The cause of type 2 narcolepsy is still largely unknown.

Researchers are still investigating the link between narcolepsy and sleep apnea. However, it appears that people with narcolepsy may be more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than people without narcolepsy.

An association between narcolepsy and an increased body mass index (BMI) may be possibleTrusted Source. Likewise, researchTrusted Source has found a positive correlation between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obesity, whereas a BMI under 25 is regarded as moderate weight.

In a 2018 studyTrusted Source, researchers found that obstructive sleep apnea was the most common medical condition observed in 68 people with narcolepsy in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Research has not found evidence of the opposite.

More research is needed to establish the relationship between the two conditions.

It’s possible to have narcolepsy and sleep apnea at the same time. Having both conditions together may make each diagnosis more difficult.

Sleep apnea and narcolepsy aren’t the only conditions that may cause you to feel sleepy and tired throughout the day. Some of the other causes include:

Treatment may depend on the causes of each condition and your overall health.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea treatment focuses on improving airflow while sleeping and managing underlying conditions. Strategies may include:

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is mainly treated with lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle habits may include:

  • taking short naps when possible
  • keeping a regular sleep schedule
  • avoiding alcohol or caffeine mainly before bed
  • avoiding tobacco use
  • exercising daily
  • avoiding large meals before bed
  • engaging in relaxation techniques before bed
  • modafinil
  • amphetamine-like stimulants
  • pitolisant (Wakix)
  • solriamfetol (Sunosi)
  • antidepressants
  • sodium oxybate

Diagnosis of narcolepsy or sleep apnea begins with seeing a primary healthcare professional. A physical examination and review of your medical history may be the first steps. If they suspect a sleep disorder, they may refer you to a specialist for further testing.

The gold standardTrusted Source for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea is polysomnography. During this test, you’ll stay at the sleep center or hospital, where the following will be measured:

Polysomnography is also used to diagnose narcolepsy. Another test used to diagnose narcolepsy is a multiple sleep latency test, which measures how long it takes for you to fall asleep. In some cases, a doctor may withdraw a sample of hypocretin from your cerebrospinal fluid by using a spinal tapTrusted Source.

It’s important to visit a healthcare professional if you suspect a sleep disorder.

Narcolepsy sleep attacks can potentially lead to accidents and injuries. Sleep apnea is linked to serious chronic conditions.

Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden sleep attacks that can occur at any time, while sleep apnea is characterized by disruptions in breathing while sleeping.

It’s important to visit a doctor if you think you have either condition. A doctor can help you reduce your chances of complications.