Causes of narcolepsy
The causes remain unknown. A genetic component is known to exist, but the possibility that the cause is an autoimmune reaction is gaining increasing support.
Sleep Lab · Narcolepsy & hypersomnias
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Understand your sleepiness, clarify the diagnosis and build a care plan around your everyday life.
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Your sleepiness deserves
to be heard.
to be heard.
Recognising the signs
Do you feel constantly tired?
Do you often fall asleep easily, in any situation and in any place?
Consult your doctor
20–60cases per 100,000 people
Epidemiological studies estimate a prevalence of 20 to 60 cases of narcolepsy per 100,000 people.
Understanding narcolepsy
When sleep enters
your waking day.
Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder of sleep–wake regulation. It may cause excessive sleepiness and involuntary sleep episodes, even after a night of sleep.
Type 1 is associated with cataplexy and/or low hypocretin (orexin). Type 2 does not involve cataplexy. Distinguishing them requires a specialist assessment.
Characteristics
The main characteristic is excessive daytime sleepiness and a feeling of constant tiredness, with sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks in any place and situation.
Types of narcolepsy
We must distinguish two types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 features an absence of hypocretin in the cerebrospinal fluid. Type 2 maintains hypocretin levels and does not involve cataplexy.
Five manifestations to understand
Sleepiness is the core symptom. Other manifestations vary, and their absence does not rule out narcolepsy. A single symptom is not enough to establish a diagnosis.
Daytime sleepiness
A difficult-to-control need to sleep and involuntary sleep episodes. These can affect education, work and daily activities.
Cataplexy
Brief muscle weakness triggered by laughter or another emotion: knees may buckle, the head may drop or the jaw may slacken, without losing consciousness.
Sleep paralysis
When waking up or falling asleep, a person may be aware but temporarily unable to move. This can also occur without narcolepsy.
Sleep-related hallucinations
Vivid images, sounds or sensations may occur when falling asleep or waking up. On their own, these do not mean a psychiatric disorder.
Fragmented night-time sleep
Despite marked daytime sleepiness, nights may include repeated awakenings. Falling asleep easily by day does not necessarily mean sleeping well at night.
The diagnostic pathway
Listen. Explore. Understand.
Your pathway starts with an online consultation. If narcolepsy is suspected, indicated investigations are then carried out at our Sleep Lab in Casablanca.
An online consultation
An initial discussion with the physician to assess symptoms and determine whether investigations at the Sleep Lab are indicated.
An overnight sleep study
Polysomnography records sleep and helps identify other conditions, including sleep apnea.
Daytime nap tests
The MSLT measures how readily you fall asleep and whether REM sleep begins unusually early. Results are not interpreted in isolation.
Personalised care
Follow-up built around
your life.
Management may combine prescribed medicines, regular sleep schedules, planned naps and adjustments at work or school. Choices depend on symptoms, other health conditions and treatment availability in your country.
Understanding your symptoms can help you plan your everyday life.
If sleepiness is uncontrolled, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery and discuss safety with your doctor.
Living with narcolepsy
Beyond the diagnosis.
Work & education
Discuss useful adjustments with your doctor: breaks, naps and schedules suited to your symptoms. Available arrangements vary by country.
Family & everyday life
Explaining sleep episodes and cataplexy can help those around you understand your needs.
International patients
An online consultation first.
Testing at the Sleep Lab, if needed.
Your pathway begins with an online consultation with Dr Omar Laraqui Hossini. If this assessment raises suspicion of narcolepsy, we invite you to our Sleep Lab in Casablanca for the indicated investigations.
- 01 · Consult online from your home country
- 02 · Determine whether testing is needed
- 03 · Arrange your investigations in Casablanca
01 · Consult online from your home country
The consultation explores your sleepiness, sleep schedule, medications and the impact on everyday life. It is the first step in your assessment.
02 · Determine whether testing is needed
If narcolepsy is suspected, the physician explains the necessary investigations and preparation. The online consultation guides testing; it does not replace sleep recordings.
03 · Arrange your investigations in Casablanca
Indicated tests, including overnight polysomnography and daytime nap tests (MSLT), are arranged at our Sleep Lab. Confirm arrangements, costs and availability with the Sleep Lab before booking travel.
The Sleep Lab & your physician
Dr Omar Laraqui Hossini
A sleep medicine specialist with qualifications from the Universities of Paris, Dr Omar Laraqui Hossini has practised since 2007. He has devoted a significant part of his clinical work to the assessment and management of narcolepsy and sleep apnea. His Sleep Lab in Casablanca positions itself as a reference Sleep Lab in Morocco for narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
- Sleep medicine practice since 2007
- Qualifications from the Universities of Paris
- Clinical work dedicated to narcolepsy and sleep apnea
- More than 2,000 polysomnographic studies performed as part of the diagnostic assessment of hypersomnias
Experience dedicated to your sleep
Your initial online consultation takes place directly with Dr Omar Laraqui Hossini. It provides time to understand your symptoms, their course and their impact, and to recommend an appropriate pathway. If investigations at the Sleep Lab are indicated, the next steps are explained before you travel.
A remote assessment followed by on-site investigations when indicated: a pathway designed for patients living abroad.
Consult Dr Omar Laraqui Hossini ↗More accessible sleep investigations
Depending on your country of residence and health coverage, having your assessment in Casablanca may offer a more affordable option and an earlier appointment. Compare the total cost, including travel and accommodation, and confirm availability before arranging your visit.
Fees and waiting times must be confirmed individually with the Sleep Lab.
Your time is finally confirmed after approval by the Sleep Lab and receipt of your €120 PayPal payment.
Online consultation
Request your
appointment.
Choose a date and a 45-minute slot between 5 pm and 8 pm, Morocco time. The consultation costs €120, payable by PayPal after the Sleep Lab approves your time. Request your appointment at least 48 hours in advance: a form will be sent to you and must be completed before the consultation.
- Enter your contact details and preferred appointment time in Morocco time.
- The Sleep Lab checks availability and confirms the proposed time.
- After the Sleep Lab approves your time, you receive the PayPal payment link by email and, if you use WhatsApp, on your phone number. Payment finalises the booking.
Your questions
Answers to help you move forward.
Is narcolepsy a lack of willpower?
No. It is a medical disorder of sleep–wake regulation. Sleepiness may persist despite efforts to stay awake.
Does all sleepiness mean narcolepsy?
No. Insufficient sleep, sleep apnea, some medicines and other conditions can cause sleepiness. A consultation helps explore these causes.
How do I start if I live abroad?
Begin with an online consultation. If narcolepsy is suspected, the physician recommends appropriate investigations at our Sleep Lab in Casablanca.
Should I stop medication before testing?
Do not change medication on your own. Some medicines affect sleep tests; your doctor will plan suitable preparation with you.
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