Narcolepsy and hypersomnia doctor in Fort Lauderdale
Feeling sleepy all day, no matter how much you sleep, isn't laziness and it isn't in your head. Dr. Camilo Ruiz finds the cause with the right testing and helps you manage it safely, at work, at home and behind the wheel.
Camilo Ruiz, DO · Board-certified in sleep medicine and internal medicine
How do you know if you have narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is diagnosed with a doctor's exam and two sleep tests. First is an overnight sleep study to rule out other problems like sleep apnea. The next day, a nap test called the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) measures how fast you fall asleep and whether you enter dream (REM) sleep quickly. A sleep doctor reviews both tests along with your symptoms to make the diagnosis.
Does this sound like you?
- I'm sleepy all day, even after a full night of sleep.
- I fall asleep at work, during conversations or while eating.
- When I laugh or get angry, my knees buckle or my face goes slack for a moment.
- I wake up and can't move for a short time.
- I see or hear things that aren't there as I fall asleep or wake up.
- I sleep much longer than most people and still struggle to wake up, and naps don't refresh me.
How Dr. Ruiz evaluates and treats daytime sleepiness
Looking for common causes first
Not getting enough sleep, sleep apnea, medicines, depression, thyroid problems and other health issues can all cause sleepiness. As an internist, Dr. Ruiz checks for these.
A sleep diary before testing
You may be asked to log your sleep for a week or two. Tests are only accurate if you have been getting enough sleep beforehand.
An overnight study followed by an MSLT
Dr. Ruiz orders an overnight sleep study and, the next day, the MSLT nap test. He will tell you which medicines to keep taking and which may need to be paused before testing, and how to do that safely.
A clear diagnosis
He explains whether your results point to narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, idiopathic hypersomnia or something else, and what that means for you.
A treatment plan
Treatment may include wake-promoting medicines, medicines for cataplexy, scheduled naps and steady sleep habits. Dr. Ruiz follows up to check benefits and side effects.
Safety at the wheel, at work and at school
He talks with you about driving and other risky tasks, and can provide letters for work or school when appropriate.
What are cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations?
Narcolepsy is a long-term brain disorder that affects how the brain controls sleep and wakefulness. The main symptom is daytime sleepiness that does not go away with more sleep. Many people with narcolepsy type 1 also have low levels of hypocretin (also called orexin), a brain chemical that helps keep you awake.
Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of muscle strength, often set off by laughing, surprise or anger. It can be as mild as drooping eyelids or a weak jaw, or strong enough to make you fall, but you stay awake and aware. Sleep paralysis is being unable to move for a short time while falling asleep or waking up. Hallucinations are vivid, dream-like sights or sounds at those same times. These symptoms can be frightening, but they are part of the condition, and treatment can help.
Idiopathic hypersomnia: sleepy without a clear cause
Idiopathic hypersomnia means long-lasting daytime sleepiness with no known cause. People with it often sleep a long time at night and still feel tired. Waking up can be very hard, with a groggy, confused feeling sometimes called sleep drunkenness. Naps tend to be long and do not leave you feeling refreshed. Brain fog and trouble focusing are common. Unlike narcolepsy type 1, it does not cause cataplexy.
Because sleepiness has so many possible causes, getting the right diagnosis can take time. The same overnight study and MSLT used for narcolepsy are used here, and sometimes a longer recording of total sleep time. Many of the medicines used for narcolepsy are also used for idiopathic hypersomnia. Dr. Ruiz reviews your history, tests and other conditions together, so the plan fits the cause.
Narcolepsy type 1, type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia compared
| Narcolepsy type 1 | Narcolepsy type 2 | Idiopathic hypersomnia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime sleepiness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cataplexy | Usually yes | No | No |
| Hypocretin (orexin) level | Low | Not low | Not low |
| Naps | Short naps are often refreshing | Short naps are often refreshing | Naps are often long and not refreshing |
| Waking up | Night sleep is often broken | Night sleep may be broken | Often very hard to wake up, with grogginess |
| Main tests | Overnight sleep study and MSLT | Overnight sleep study and MSLT | Overnight sleep study and MSLT, sometimes extended sleep recording |
What to expect
- Step 1
Request a visit
Call the office. We'll find a time and tell you what to bring.
- Step 2
First appointment
Dr. Ruiz goes over your sleep, your health history and what you've already tried.
- Step 3
Testing, if needed
A home or in-lab sleep study, or blood work.
- Step 4
Treatment and follow-up
You leave with a plan, and come back to adjust it.
Related conditions and care
Patients come to our Fort Lauderdale office from Las Olas, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, Oakland Park, Lauderhill, Plantation, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach and across South Florida.
Common questions
Is it safe to drive if I have narcolepsy or hypersomnia?
Not if you feel sleepy. Sleep attacks can happen without warning, including at the wheel. Do not drive when drowsy, and pull over somewhere safe if you start to nod off, drift from your lane or miss exits. Treatment can lower the risk, but talk with your doctor about whether and when driving is safe for you. Driving rules vary by state.
What is the MSLT?
The multiple sleep latency test is a daytime nap study done the morning after an overnight sleep study. You are given up to five chances to nap, about two hours apart. It measures how quickly you fall asleep and whether you enter REM (dream) sleep soon after.
Can narcolepsy be cured?
There is no cure for narcolepsy at this time. It is a long-term condition, but treatment with medicines, scheduled naps and steady sleep habits can help control symptoms so you can do more of what you need and want to do.
What medicines are used for narcolepsy and hypersomnia?
Wake-promoting medicines and stimulants are used to reduce daytime sleepiness. Other medicines, such as sodium oxybate and certain antidepressants, can help with cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations. All have possible side effects, so your doctor will choose and adjust them with you.
Do scheduled naps help?
For many people with narcolepsy, short naps planned at the times of day they usually feel sleepiest can reduce unplanned sleep attacks. Naps are usually less refreshing in idiopathic hypersomnia, so your doctor may suggest a different plan.
Could my sleepiness be something other than narcolepsy?
Yes. Not getting enough sleep, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs, some medicines, depression and thyroid problems are more common causes of daytime sleepiness. A doctor should look for these before or alongside testing for narcolepsy.
Written by Sleep & Internal Medicine Specialists. Last updated . This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.
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Schedule an Appointment
Send a request any time, or call Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 1319 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.