Struggling to Explain Narcolepsy to Loved Ones

Yes absolutely! It's usually damage due to an immune system attack on specific brain tissue, which is why it's commonly associated with other autoimmune disorders such as MS. There's argument in the medical field as to whether it should be classified as a sleep disorder or an autoimmune disorder. The gene mutation associated is HLA-DQB1*06:02 if you want to research further. ☺️ I'm really bad about checking this frequently but I will always respond whenever I'm back.

I have found that the only thing that actually made people realize it was a serious disorder was when I explained to them that it's caused by literal brain damage. I can explain symptoms all day and they'll just aw man that sucks, but mention brain damage and they WOAH and start actually listening.

Yes! Especially because people think of it as this stereo typical disease where you just fall asleep at a moments notice. That's not how it works for me at least, i am just super tired all the time and willl feel like I'm in a dream state.