Narcolepsy is a rare neurological sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable episodes of REM sleep during waking hours. People with narcolepsy may experience brief periods of muscle weakness and sleep attacks lasting around 10 minutes. It is believed to be linked to deficiencies in genes related to the brain mechanisms controlling sleep-wake cycles. While there are no cures currently, medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. Scientists are conducting animal studies to better understand the genetic causes and develop new therapies.