narcolepsy

Definition

A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep, often brief, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations.

Etymology

From French narcolepsie. By surface analysis, narco- + -lepsy, from Ancient Greek ναρκόω (narkóō, “put to sleep”) + λῆψις (lêpsis, “seizure”).

Example Sentences

• "Excitement-induced narcolepsy caused him to sleep through the most important events of his life."