For kids with the chronic disorder narcolepsy, sleep attacks can occur unpredictably — while they're at school, with friends, or eating, walking, or playing. And because they can't predict when they'll fall asleep, they may be understandably embarrassed or distressed when it happens. In fact, researchers from the University of Oxford say kids with narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness experience significantly more symptoms of depression and emotional problems compared with their healthy peers.

Researchers surveyed 60 4- to 18-year-old kids diagnosed with narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness, who answered questions about their symptoms of depression, peer problems, hyperactivity, emotional problems, school performance, and physical health.

Compared with kids without sleep problems, those with narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness had more:

• symptoms of depression
• problems with peers
• symptoms of emotional and behavioral problems
• problems in school
• symptoms of physical health problems

What This Means to You. The results of this study suggest that kids with narcolepsy or excessive sleepiness may be prone to depression, emotional disorders, and problems with schoolwork and their peers. Diagnosing narcolepsy can be difficult, but prescription medications, including stimulants, and other treatments may help youths remain awake during the day. If your child has symptoms of narcolepsy or excessive sleepiness, such as persistent drowsiness, difficulty staying awake at school, or a sudden, uncontrollable need to sleep during the day, talk to your doctor.

Source: Gregory Stores, MD; Paul Montgomery, DPhil; Luci Wiggs, DPhil; Pediatrics, October 2006

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