This Is What Narcolepsy Looks Like—Woman Films Herself Having A Scary Narcoleptic Attack

Narcolepsy is a very strange affliction indeed and strikes the victim out of nowhere. What started out as an instructional video about a traditional Japanese dance has turned into a fascinating insight into what happens to someone who suffers from narcoleptic and cataplexic attacks (medical condition in which strong emotion or laughter causes a person to suffer sudden physical collapse though remaining conscious) actually go through. If, like me, your understanding of the condition basically amounts to River Phoenix's character in My Own Private Idaho then this should bring some enlightenment.

Sarah Elizabeth films herself showcasing a Japanese dance but before long she suddenly has an attack and falls to the floor, still conscious, as the cataplexy—loss of muscle function—takes hold. She then slumps forward as the narcolepsy takes full effect. Afterwards she tries to continue but is drowsy both in mind and body because of the effects of her condition.

The video's titled "What Narcolepsy Really Looks Like. Spoiler Alert- It Sucks."—and yeah, it looks like it does. But kudos to Elizabeth for uploading the vid and shedding some light on this condition that affects around one in every 2000 Americans.

I have narcolepsy with cataplexy, and it can be very frustrating to try to explain what it's like to people who have never seen narcolepsy in real life, and how much of a struggle it can be. Most people think that it's funny until they see what actually happens, or they are completely unprepared and get really scared and panic.I filmed this by accident, and it was really weird to go back and watch later from an outside perspective. I am posting this video as a way to help educate people, so please no trolling. Just like people with epilepsy, I can't control having a sleep attack or cataplexy any more than they can control having a seizure. Thank you for your understanding.