Screening for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Diagnosing Narcolepsy

Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy can cause excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). However, the diagnosis of narcolepsy is often delayed by years in both children and adults, reducing their quality of life. Clinicians can improve the recognition of EDS and diagnosis of sleep disorders using screening tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, collecting sleep histories, and using sleep laboratory tests. By following up with patients who present with EDS and continuing to assess until a cause is found, clinicians can lessen the time to diagnosis and the negative impact of narcolepsy by initiating appropriate treatment.