By Chris Sharry on April 3rd, 2025 in Disability, Disability Qualifying, Social Security Disability
Narcolepsy is a condition where your brain can’t control your ability to sleep or stay awake. People with this condition often fall asleep during the day, along with other symptoms. While this condition is serious and disruptive, it usually responds well to treatment. With care and precautions, it’s possible to manage this condition and adapt to its effects.
There are two main types of narcolepsy, and whether or not you have cataplexy separates the two. The two types are:
- Narcolepsy type 1: This form involves cataplexy. About 20% of narcolepsy cases are type 1.
- Narcolepsy type 2: This form doesn’t involve cataplexy. The majority of narcolepsy cases — about 80% — are type 2.
Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sudden, involuntary episodes of muscle weakness called cataplexy.
Symptoms:
Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling irresistibly sleepy throughout the day, despite getting enough sleep at night.
Cataplexy: Sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions, such as laughter, surprise, or anger. Cataplexy episodes can range from mild (e.g., drooping eyelids) to severe (e.g., collapsing to the ground).
Sleep paralysis: Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up.
Hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations: Vivid, dream-like experiences that occur when falling asleep or waking up.
Disrupted sleep: Frequent nighttime awakenings and difficulty staying asleep.
At present, narcolepsy does not feature on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) list of qualified disorders. However, symptoms such as extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle control (cataplexy) can make it difficult to work. Since this can limit a person’s ability to work, they may be able to get Social Security disability benefits.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Narcolepsy
If you are living with narcolepsy and struggling to maintain steady employment due to your symptoms, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability benefits—even though the condition is not listed as a qualifying impairment. The key is providing strong medical evidence that demonstrates how your narcolepsy affects your daily functioning and limits your ability to perform full-time work. Detailed documentation from your doctors, evidence of treatment compliance, and reports of ongoing symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, or sleep paralysis can support your claim. If you have questions about applying for disability benefits with narcolepsy or need help preparing your case, contact Attorney Christopher Sharry for guidance and support.
