Question:easy

Narcolepsy is characterized by all of the following except:

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Recall the narcolepsy tetrad: sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations.
Updated On: Jul 8, 2026
  • Sleep paralysis.
  • Cataplexy.
  • Hallucination.
  • Snoring.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Narcolepsy is best remembered through its four classic features, often called the narcolepsy tetrad.


Step 1: List the tetrad.

The four features are excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness with emotion), sleep paralysis (unable to move at sleep onset or offset), and hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations (vivid dream like images while falling asleep or waking).


Step 2: Match each option against the tetrad.

Sleep paralysis and cataplexy are named members of the tetrad. Hallucination, meaning the hypnagogic/hypnopompic type, is also a named member.


Step 3: Test snoring.

Snoring comes from vibration of soft tissue in the upper airway during sleep, a mechanical breathing issue seen in obstructive sleep apnea. Narcolepsy instead comes from loss of hypocretin producing neurons in the hypothalamus, a completely different mechanism. There is no direct link between narcolepsy and snoring.


Step 4: Conclude.

Since three of the four options fit the known tetrad and snoring does not belong to it, snoring is the exception.
\[ \boxed{\text{Snoring}} \]
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