http://www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org Wake Up Narcolepsy is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting narcolepsy awareness and research to find a cure. WUN carries out its mission by: Providing funding to accelerate a cure for narcolepsy Increasing awareness of narcolepsy Decreasing time-lapse from symptom onset to proper diagnosis Providing supportive resources for people with narcolepsy and their families WUN History Upon recognizing the great need to raise awareness and research funds for narcolepsy, Kevin Cosgrove teamed up with Monica and David Gow to establish Wake Up Narcolepsy, Inc., in 2008. Wake Up Narcolepsy has quickly become a national leader for narcolepsy research and awareness. We are dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for narcolepsy while increasing awareness among the public. Every year, Wake Up Narcolepsy hosts various awareness-driven events and makes substantial contributions to cutting-edge narcolepsy research across the country. “People with narcolepsy have been living in the shadows. It’s time to step into the light.” Kevin Cosgrove, Co-founder To read more about Wake Up Narcolepsy’s awareness, fundraising, science and advocacy efforts, please visit the different sections of our site. - See more at: http://www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org/about-wake-up-narcolepsy/mission-statement-history/#sthash.xDvjdjVF.dpuf

1. www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org
PO Box 60293
Worcester, MA 01606
wakeupnarcolepsy.org
facebook.com/wakeupnarcolepsy
twitter.com/wakenarcolepsy
(978) 751-DOZE (3693)
Wake Up Narcolepsy
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
dedicated to educating the public about
the debilitating effects of narcolepsy
and funding research to find
improved treatments and a cure.
We sponsor awareness and fundraising events
across the United States and Canada,
and we serve people living with narcolepsy
in all corners of the globe
Wake Up Narcolepsy is the
only U.S. nonprofit organization
raising funds for narcolepsy research.
From Shadows
into the Light
Advancing
Narcolepsy
Awareness
and
Research
www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org
Advancing Research
Wake Up Narcolepsy’s research program
accelerates the pace of medical discovery
toward finding improved treatment and a cure
for narcolepsy.
Our events and other outreach generate funds
to support this vital research.
“Wake Up Narcolepsy’s
contributions to our research have
been essential to better
understanding and treating
patients with narcolepsy.
We hope one day this research will
finally lead to a cure.”
Dr. Emmanuel Mignot
Director, Center for Narcolepsy
Stanford University
School of Medicine
Other recipients of WUN research funds
include Harvard University and Sick Kids
Hospital of Toronto.
Raising Awareness
Wake Up Narcolepsy sponsors many forms of
outreach to raise narcolepsy awareness and
generate research funds.
Boston Marathon
running teams
and awareness
walks
Golf outings
For every birdie she
scores, LPGA
golfer and PWN
Nicol Jeray is
raising funds
for WUN.
nicolejeray.com
Awareness and fundraising events of all kinds

2. What Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep/wake
disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 people, or
200,000 Americans and 3 million people
worldwide. Unfortunately, many individuals
with narcolepsy remain undiagnosed and
untreated. People with narcolepsy (PWN)
and cataplexy have lost the brain cells that
produce the neurotransmitter hypocretin, or
orexin, which controls the sleep/wake cycle.
Symptoms can include:
►► Overwhelming excessive daytime
sleepiness (EDS). Narcolepsy is the second
leading cause of excessive daytime
sleepiness.
►► Cataplexy — a sudden episode of muscle
weakness or complete collapse triggered
by laughter, surprise, or other strong
emotion. About 60% of PWN also have
cataplexy.
►► Abnormal REM sleep and fragmented
nighttime sleep.
►► Hypnagogic hallucinations — dream-
like, often terrifying auditory or visual
hallucinations while dozing or falling
asleep.
►► Sleep paralysis — inability to move when
waking up or falling asleep.
Individuals with narcolepsy enter REM sleep
within minutes of falling asleep, depriving
them of deeper, restful sleep.
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but symptoms
can be treated with medications and lifestyle
changes. In addition to medications prescribed
by the patient’s doctor, behavioral strategies
are often required as well. For example,
scheduled 20-30 minute naps throughout
the day help with EDS, as does good sleep
hygiene.
Even with proper medical treatment, life with
narcolepsy is never normal.
www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org
Diagnosis and Treatment
Two specialized medical procedures are
necessary to diagnosis narcolepsy: the
nocturnal polysomnogram, followed the next
day by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).
Symptoms usually manifest themselves in early
adulthood, adolescence, or earlier. Sometimes
onset follows a viral infection that places great
strain on the immune system.
Research suggests that narcolepsy may be
an autoimmune disorder. Brain cells that
produce a neurotransmitter called hypocretin,
or orexin, are attacked and destroyed by the
person’s own immune system. Deprived of
hypycretin, the brain can no longer properly
regulate the sleep/wake cycle.
www.wakeupnarcolepsy.org
Please Get Involved!
►► Attend our events.
►► With our help, plan an awareness event
of your own.
►► Spread the word among friends, family,
and colleagues.
►► Make a donation to support research
and awareness.
Narcolepsy Fast Facts
Narcolepsy often begins during
adolescence or young adulthood.
Children as young as three have
been diagnosed with the disorder.
It is not uncommon for
six to eight years to pass before
a proper diagnosis is made.
Narcolepsy can affect academic and
professional performance, and makes
interpersonal relationships
more challenging.
Current research indicates that
narcolepsy may be an
autoimmune disorder.
Treatment can help,
but there is not yet a cure.