Abnormal PsychologyNarcolepsyNarcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness. This disorder causes a number of symptoms which will be discussed in more detail later, but these include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Scientists and researchers believe that the cause of narcolepsy is a genetic mutation. This disorder can cause serious disruption to a person's daily life and routine and can be detrimental to the affected person as well as those around them. There have been case studies, research and animal testing to better understand this disorder, its cause and possible cures or medications. As of 2014, there are medications to help people with this disorder, but there is no cure. To better understand this disorder, we need to delve deeper into the topics I have covered and more deeply into the disorder in general. We will study all the topics mentioned above and much more. To understand the causes of narcolepsy, scientists performed experiments on animals. Specifically dogs and mice. These animals suffered from narcolepsy and after investigation, a genetic mutation was observed in some animals which made them narcoleptic. Dogs with the mutation also had a "deficiency in a receptor for hyposcience, the neurotransmitter that blocks communication between brain cells, particularly messages indicating when the body should be awake." (Article from R. Ballie Magazine) Scientists discovered that if they injected dogs with hypocretin, it could reverse narcolepsy. This is a good thing, but it doesn't mean there is a cure for this disorder, because humans are much more complex than dogs and mice. With the ...... middle of paper ...... m when you have a lack of sleep. It can be both frustrating and stressful for a person with narcolepsy to stay awake at night and not be able to sleep. On top of that, they are tired most of the day and take naps to try to stay awake. But again, when a narcoleptic sleeps, they have abnormal sleep cycles. To help people with this disorder, they may be prescribed medications to help you sleep at night or medications to help you stay awake during the day. Changing chemicals in the brain to correct itself when to feel tired or when to feel awake. Forcing yourself to stay awake during the day and not nap can help you be more tired at night and help you get into a more normal sleep schedule. Overall, if left untreated it can be a dangerous and annoying disorder, but with the right medication it can improve and you can live a normal life..