narcolepsy

American  

[nahr-kuh-lep-see] / ˈnɑr kəˌlɛp si /

noun

Pathology.

1. a condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep.

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narcolepsy British  

/ ˈnɑːkəˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

1. pathol a rare condition characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep

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Other Word Forms

• narcoleptic adjective

Etymology

Origin of narcolepsy

First recorded in 1875–80; narco- + (epi)lepsy

Explanation

If it seems like your dad is always dozing on the couch, he may be lazy or he may suffer from narcolepsy — a disorder that makes people fall asleep, sometimes suddenly. Someone who's diagnosed with narcolepsy may abruptly fall asleep at any moment, although there are milder cases of narcolepsy with symptoms including excessive fatigue during the day and the need for frequent naps. A person with narcolepsy is called a narcoleptic. The French term narcolepsie was coined in 1880 by a French doctor who took the Greek word narke, "numbness," and combined it with lepsis, "attack or seizure."

Example Sentences

Eli Lilly has made yet another deal, this time buying a drug company that’s developing a therapy for narcolepsy for up to $7.8 billion.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Lee allegedly told officers that Perpétuo suffered from narcolepsy and had fallen in the shower.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

These should not be confused with regulated pharmaceutical drugs which can help with conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy and Alzheimer's disease and should only be taken with a diagnosed medical condition.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

We expect Centessa to be a leader in the field of narcolepsy.

From Barron's • Sep. 26, 2025

We note also mental disturbances as well as physical, especially diminished powers of attention and memory, and somnolence up to the point of narcolepsy.

From The Sexual Life of the Child by Paul, Eden