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Real members of MyNarcolepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is narcolepsy type 1 or 2 more common?

A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Holly Springs, GA

On this resource, https://www.mynarcolepsyteam.com/resources/what..., it says "Type 2 narcolepsy doesn’t cause cataplexy. People with this type have extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, but their hypocretin levels are usually normal. Most people with narcolepsy — about 80 percent — have this type."

On this resource, https://www.mynarcolepsyteam.com/resources/type..., it says "Type 1 narcolepsy is the most common form of narcolepsy." It also says "One estimate suggests that type… read more

The social network for those living with narcolepsy. | MyNarcolepsyTeam
The social network for those living with narcolepsy. | MyNarcolepsyTeam
https://www.mynarcolepsyteam.com/resources/what
The social network for those living with narcolepsy. | MyNarcolepsyTeam
The social network for those living with narcolepsy. | MyNarcolepsyTeam
https://www.mynarcolepsyteam.com/resources/type
March 30
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MyNarcolepsyTeam

Which type of narcolepsy is more common?

Great catch on noticing the conflicting information! The research actually shows that Type 1 narcolepsy (with cataplexy) is more common than Type 2.

Here's what the data indicates:

- Type 1 narcolepsy occurs in about 25-100 per 100,000 people
- Type 2 narcolepsy occurs in about 65 Show Full Answer

Which type of narcolepsy is more common?

Great catch on noticing the conflicting information! The research actually shows that Type 1 narcolepsy (with cataplexy) is more common than Type 2.

Here's what the data indicates:

- Type 1 narcolepsy occurs in about 25-100 per 100,000 people
- Type 2 narcolepsy occurs in about 65 per 100,000 people
- One estimate suggests Type 2 accounts for approximately 36% of narcolepsy cases

The confusion likely stems from older information or different study populations. The more current understanding is that Type 1 is the predominant form, though both types remain quite rare overall.

It's worth noting that some people initially diagnosed with Type 2 may later develop cataplexy and be reclassified as Type 1, which can affect prevalence numbers over time.

March 30

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