Sleep, Actually
Narcolepsy Type 1 and Type 2
Two recognised forms. Type 1 is defined with cataplexy and/or low hypocretin; Type 2 is described without cataplexy.
Clinicians describe two types. Type 1 narcolepsy is associated with cataplexy and/or low levels of hypocretin (also called orexin) in the cerebrospinal fluid. Type 2 is described in people with the same excessive daytime sleepiness but without cataplexy.
Both are real, both can be significantly disabling, and neither is the “mild” one. Type 2 is not a lesser version of Type 1.
Which type applies to a person is a clinical judgement made with testing and history. NAP does not, and cannot, tell you which one you have.
What does that mean?
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Narcolepsy in plain English
A long-term neurological sleep disorder that affects how reliably the brain holds the boundary between sleep and wake.
What narcolepsy is not
Clearing away the cartoon version: it is not fainting, not a personality trait, and not simply being tired.
Sleepiness versus ordinary tiredness
Tiredness is low fuel. Sleepiness is pressure to fall asleep. They feel different and respond differently.