We still have work to do in order to break down narcolepsy’s stereotypes. We are committed to bringing awareness about this disorder.

Here are some of the survey’s findings. To read the full report, go here.

General knowledge

• 83% reported that they are aware of narcolepsy/heard about the condition or are familiar with the symptoms (51% and 32% respectively)
• 17% responded that they have never heard of narcolepsy

Knowledge from Entertainment

• 24% have heard about narcolepsy through movies
• 35% have heard about narcolepsy through TV shows
• 43% believe that people with narcolepsy often fall down because they lose consciousness while walking or standing

The findings for this portion of the survey suggest that movies and television may contribute to the misconception of narcolepsy.

Knowledge about Narcolepsy’s Symptoms

• 10% believe people living with narcolepsy have excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) when actually EDS is one of the main symptoms of narcolepsy
• 51% of those who have reported that they have heard of narcolepsy/familiar with its symptoms consider EDS to be an indicator of narcolepsy
• 73% have not heard of cataplexy, a symptom that is usually is only found in people with narcolepsy

Sleepiness in Day-to-Day Life

The survey asked respondents about their level of sleepiness during the day.

• 65% of those who said they were familiar with EDS said they often experience this
• 15% said that it is something they sometimes experience
• 33% said they drove a vehicle while drowsy and 11% reported being in an accident as a result of being tired
• 38% reported the inability to concentrate at work
• 36% said they lack the productivity to work
• 45% said they do not have the motivation to work due to being too tired
• 30% said they needed a personal day because they were too tired to go to work
• 20% said they made a mistake that resulted in personal injury or injury to another person
• 31% responded that they had sought medical help for sleep or sleepiness issues

This survey was conducted by Toluna Analytics on behalf of Jazz Pharmaceuticals on August 23-August 26, 2019 to 1,300 adults ages 18 and older in the US.

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