The impact of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia on work-related outcomes: a systematic literature review

Clicks: 3
ID: 321478
2026
Article Quality & Performance Metrics
Overall Quality
Not rated
Combines reader engagement with the AI quality analysis. This article has not been analysed, so there is no overall score — reader engagement is measured and shown alongside.
AI Quality Assessment
Not analyzed
Readership in this journal

Ranked #3 of 39 articles by views in SLEEP Advances

Most read Least read

Bar heights use a square-root scale.

Mint this article as an NFT
Not yet minted

Create a permanent, verifiable on-chain record of this article on the Scimatic Network. The NFT is held in your Journament account, and you can withdraw it to your own wallet at any time.

5 SUSD one-off · no wallet required
Abstract
Abstract The symptoms experienced by people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) have profound effects on individuals’ lives, affecting daily functioning, relationships and mental health, and can impair performance at work or school. Although numerous studies have evaluated the impact of narcolepsy and IH on work-related outcomes, the evidence base is highly fragmented and difficult to meaningfully summarize. We conducted a systematic literature review of published evidence to better understand the impact of these disorders on employment, work productivity, work satisfaction, and related outcomes. We identified 54 publications representing 51 unique studies that met the study inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Although most people with narcolepsy or IH were employed, fewer were in paid work than control populations, and absenteeism and presenteeism were high. Having narcolepsy and IH resulted in lower wages and missed work time, leading to unfavorable impacts on career progression, promotion, job satisfaction, and income. The most frequently reported work-related problems were sleepiness at work, reduced performance, work accidents, and lateness. More severe excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with greater work impairment. Narcolepsy-specific medications that improved excessive daytime sleepiness were reported to improve work productivity in clinical trials; however, many people are left with substantial residual impairment despite treatment. These findings indicate that narcolepsy and IH impose a substantial burden on work functioning and employment, and there is a need for more research to inform interventions and policies aimed at mitigating the impact of these debilitating conditions on individuals’ professional lives.
Reference Key
openalex_W7169611363 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Somraj Ghosh, Stephen Crawford, Sarah Bermingham, Miriam L. Zichlin, Fiona Stewart, Nicole Fusco, Evelyn Gomez-Espinosa, Kristin D. Kistler
Journal SLEEP Advances
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/sleepadvances/zpag078
URL
Keywords Keywords not found

Citations

No citations found. To add a citation, contact the admin at info@scimatic.org

No comments yet. Be the first to comment on this article.