Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is a common experience for a patient with narcolepsy during an episode?

1. Awakening feeling refreshed, although not necessarily for long

2. Experiencing hallucinations

3. Forgetting the episode entirely

4. Feeling excessively tired afterwards

The correct answer is: Awakening feeling refreshed, although not necessarily for long

A common experience for a patient with narcolepsy during an episode is awakening feeling refreshed, although this sensation may not last for an extended period. Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden sleep attacks and episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness, which can be unexpectedly overwhelming. When individuals with narcolepsy fall asleep, they may enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep very quickly. Upon waking from these sleep episodes, they can sometimes experience a momentary sense of refreshment, akin to having taken a short nap. However, this feeling can be fleeting, and the individual may quickly return to a state of tiredness due to the underlying nature of the disorder. The contrast between the temporary refreshment and subsequent fatigue captures the unique experience of narcolepsy and highlights the complexity of sleep patterns in affected individuals. Recognizing this characteristic can be crucial for both diagnosis and understanding the condition's impact on daily life.