Narcolepsy

Causes & Prevention

Causes of Narcolepsy

The causes of narcolepsy are not well understood, and genetics have been ruled out except for a small number of cases (about 2%).

The normal process of falling asleep begins with a phase called non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During this phase, brain waves slow down considerably. After an hour or two of NREM sleep, brain activity picks up again, and REM sleep begins. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.