What condition is characterized by irresistible sleepiness?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, which can occur at inappropriate times. Individuals with narcolepsy often experience sudden sleep attacks that can last for a few seconds to several minutes, regardless of the circumstances. This condition can significantly impact daily functioning and tasks, as the individual may find it challenging to stay awake during activities that require focus and alertness.

The hallmark feature of narcolepsy is this irresistible sleepiness, which is different from other sleep disorders. For example, insomnia primarily involves difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep rather than experiencing overwhelming urges to sleep during the day. Similarly, while depression can lead to sleep disturbances, it does not specifically cause the uncontrollable sleepiness that defines narcolepsy. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and subsequent daytime sleepiness, but again, it does not have the same distinct characteristic of irresistible attacks of sleep as narcolepsy does.