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piness (EDS), which is characterized by "sleep attacks" that produce sudden and irresistible episodes of sleep. These episodes may last a few seconds to more than an hour, sometimes occurring in the middle of conversation or while performing a task. Other symptoms of narcolepsy include:

• cataplexy - brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis, resulting in knees buckling, head or jaw jerking, weakness in the arms and hands, and even complete collapse; these episodes are induced by strong emotion, such as laughter, anger or surprise
• sleep paralysis - an inability to move that occurs at sleep onset or upon awakening
• hypnagogic hallucinations - vivid, realistic and often frightening dream-like experiences when first falling asleep or upon awakening
• disruptions of normal nighttime sleep
• "automatic behavior" - performing familiar or routine tasks without full awareness or memory of doing it

"The impact of narcolepsy on a person's life can be devastating, but the disorder can often be sufficiently managed with a combination of appropriate medication and lifestyle changes," said Dr. Michael Thorpy, director of the sleep disorders center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. "It is critical that we communicate this message to people with narcolepsy and the physicians who treat them. It is our hope that this educational initiative will help America 'wake up to narcolepsy,' thereby helping people with the disorder resume active and productive lives."

Headquartered in New Jersey, the Narcolepsy Network is a national, nonprofit organization whose members include people who have narcolepsy (or related sleep disorders), their families and friends, and professionals involved in narcolepsy-related treatment, research and public education. The Narcolepsy Network provides information about narcolepsy, works with local support groups, publishes a quarterly newsletter, holds a national educational conference each year, facilitates pr
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Contact: Amy Hunter
ahunter@porternovelli.com
212-601-8126
Porter Novelli
29-Jun-1999

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