The exact cause is not known. Narcolepsy is associated with deficiency of a chemical called hypocretin (also known as orexin) in the brain. Hypocretin regulates the sleep and wake cycle.

• Hypocretin levels are especially low in the individuals who encounter cataplexy.

Known risk factors include:

• Age - usually occurs between 10 and 30 years of age
• Family history - more likely if the condition is present in the family

Certain measures can be taken to evade undesirable and humiliating circumstances of narcoleptic or cataplexic episodes, or to reduce the chance of onset:

• Reduce the stress level
• Take short naps around the day
• Daily exercises
• Strict sleep time schedules
• Counseling to deal with embarrassment trauma