Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects your bodys sleeping and waking cycles.

Its estimated that between 135,000 and 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy. If you have it, youll often feel very tired during the day and may also unexpectedly fall asleep in the middle of activities. Its also possible to experience cataplexy, which is when muscle weakness comes on suddenly.

Adrenal insufficiency is a health condition where your adrenal glands dont make enough of certain hormones. This can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of narcolepsy, such as chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.

Another related term you may have heard of is adrenal fatigue, which is used to describe a mild type of adrenal insufficiency thats supposedly brought on by chronic stress. However, adrenal fatigue isnt a proven medical condition.

Below, well explore the ins and outs of narcolepsy, adrenal insufficiency, and adrenal fatigue. Keep reading to learn more.

Adrenal fatigue is a theory that chronic stress can impact the function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are found above your kidneys and make hormones like cortisol, which is important for how you respond to stress.

Supporters of the theory of adrenal fatigue believe that the buildup of stress becomes too much for your adrenal glands. Due to this, they cannot produce enough cortisol to meet the bodys demands, causing symptoms like:

While some symptoms of adrenal fatigue are similar to those of narcolepsy, it really isnt possible to compare the two. This is because adrenal fatigue isnt recognized as a legitimate medical condition.

In a 2016 article, a group of endocrinologists reviewed 58 studies mentioning adrenal fatigue. Based on their review of the studies and how they were conducted, they could find no credible evidence that adrenal fatigue is an actual medical condition.

The reported symptoms of adrenal fatigue are general and could be caused by any actual health condition that needs to be treated. According to the Endocrine Society, these may include conditions like:

Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition in which your adrenal glands dont make enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. There are several types of adrenal insufficiency.

Some types have to do with decreased production of hormones in the brain. These hormones eventually promote cortisol production in the adrenal glands, so when theyre in short supply, cortisol levels are lower.

Some types of narcolepsy also have to do with decreased hormone production in the brain. In this case, its the hormone hypocretin, also called orexin, which regulates sleeping and waking.

Its also possible for people with narcolepsy to have other health conditions involving hormones, such as adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism.

Older research has also found that low levels of hypocretin in people with narcolepsy may impact other hormone pathways, such as those involved in adrenal insufficiency.

Lastly, theres overlap in the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and narcolepsy, such as excessive tiredness or fatigue and muscle weakness.

However, there are many important differences between adrenal insufficiency and narcolepsy as well. Lets go over the different aspects these two conditions now.

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency typically come on slowly and can include things like:

The symptoms of narcolepsy can include:

There are different types of adrenal insufficiency and each type as its own cause:

Similar to adrenal sufficiency, there are different types of narcolepsy. What causes each type is a little different.

People with type 1 narcolepsy, or narcolepsy with cataplexy, almost always have low levels of a hormone called hypocretin in the brain. This hormone is involved in regulating aspects of sleeping and waking.

Those with type 2 narcolepsy, or narcolepsy without cataplexy, have normal levels of hypocretin. The cause of this type of narcolepsy remains unclear.

Factors that may contribute to the development of narcolepsy in general include:

The risk factors for adrenal insufficiency can include:

You may be at an increased risk for narcolepsy if someone in your family has it. About 10% of people with type 1 narcolepsy have a close relative who reports similar symptoms.

An adrenal crisis is the most serious complication of adrenal insufficiency and is life threatening. It can happen when your body needs more cortisol than it can make, typically in response to intense physical stress caused by things like:

Its also possible for adrenal insufficiency to lead to electrolyte imbalances like too little sodium or too much potassium.

The nature of its symptoms can mean that narcolepsy can have a large impact on a persons quality of life. People with narcolepsy can experience significant disruptions in their daily life, including:

Additionally, sleep attacks and cataplexy can happen suddenly. This can be dangerous if youre driving or working in a job that involves operating heavy machinery.

In addition to taking your medical history and doing a physical exam, a doctor can use the following tests to diagnose adrenal insufficiency:

After taking your medical history, performing a physical exam, and evaluating your sleep log, your doctor can use the following tests to help diagnose narcolepsy:

The treatment for adrenal insufficiency involves replacement of the hormone cortisol. This can be done through drugs like hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, or prednisone.

Taking a drug called fludrocortisone can help maintain electrolyte balance in people who also dont make enough aldosterone.

There isnt a cure for narcolepsy. Instead, symptoms are managed using a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Medications for narcolepsy can include:

Lifestyle changes are also important, including setting up a regular sleep schedule, taking shorter naps during the day, and relaxing before bedtime.

If you have any of the following symptoms, its a good idea to see a doctor:

A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and test to see what may be causing them. After a diagnosis is made, they can develop a treatment plan that can help you to manage your condition.

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition affecting sleeping and waking. It causes symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, and sudden instances of muscle weakness.

While some narcolepsy symptoms like excessive tiredness and muscle weakness overlap with adrenal insufficiency, the two conditions have many other differences in symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

You may have also heard narcolepsy symptoms be compared to those associated with something called adrenal fatigue. However, adrenal fatigue is not recognized as an actual medical condition at this time.

Regardless, see a doctor if you have excessive tiredness, muscle weakness, or disrupted sleep that significantly interferes with your daily life. Its possible that your symptoms are due to a medical condition that needs to be treated.

Read more:
Adrenal Fatigue and Narcolepsy: Comparing the Conditions and Theories - Healthline

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