If there is one part of the life process that we as humans have a less than average understanding of , it is the mystery of sleep. Many of us take for granted the fact that sleep is a complex process that rejuvenates and restores our minds and our bodies. However, like every aspect of the life process, sleep does not present itself to be error free. Sleep comes with a long list of disorders and problems that can affect anyone at any point in their life. Some disorders are genetic and others are developmental but they are all equally horrifying for the victim. One of the more interesting disorders is a genetic neurological disorder called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is unique and fascinating to the psychological mind, but to the victim it is torturous. It is a disorder that brings with it much embarrassment and stress to the sufferer. Narcoleptics can take comfort however, knowing that although there is no cure for narcolepsy there are a number of successful treatments available. As this research unfolds, narcolepsy will be explained in detail as well as some of its history and treatments. Perhaps by becoming familiar and aware of it, we can better deal with and treat its patients.

Hypnogogic and hypnopompic hallucinations are a very interesting aspect of the narcoleptic. Aside from the previous definition and explanation of these images, it is necessity that we have a more in depth look at exactly what these hallucinations are. Hypnogogic hallucinations are nothing more than deeply vivid hallucinations that are associated with the onset of REM sleep. Narcoleptics fail to progress through the preceding stages of sleep before reaching REM sleep. This causes the narcoleptic to have these hallucinations right as wakefulness ends, leading to a string of consciousness from the real world right into the dream world (Dement & Vaughan, 1999). The difference in hallucinations is that for the narcoleptic patient these hallucinations are very terrifying and real. In fact, these hallucinations can be so real, that many narcoleptics have reported being completely awake and paralyzed. These hallucinations include such images as animal attacks, strange intruders in the home and some have even reported alien visitation. The most frightening part of these hallucinations is that the patient seems unable to distinguish from hallucination and reality (1999).

These hallucinations lead right into the second symptom of narcolepsy and that symptom is sleep paralysis. Narcoleptics have reported that while having these hallucinations, a type of temporary paralysis sweeps over them. They are unable to speak, move or even roll over (Fritz, 1993). Another part of narcolepsy that is linked to the hallucinations and paraly

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