Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test
Discover if you carry the genetic variant linked to an increased risk of narcolepsy.
Measures:
- Detects the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant linked to narcolepsy
- Individuals with two copies have a 7X to 25X increased risk
Collection methods:
Buccal swabs
$195.00
- Discreet shipping
- Accredited lab
- Secure Online Results
- Highest accuracy
- Discreet
- Results in 1-3 business days
About the test
Understand Your Genetic Risk for Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle control (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, making even routine tasks challenging.
Genetics plays a key role in narcolepsy, with the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant being the strongest known genetic risk factor. This DNA test identifies whether you carry this variant, helping you better understand your susceptibility to narcolepsy. Early awareness of your genetic risk can aid in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate medical support for improved sleep health.
Genetic Profile
The Genetic Connection to Narcolepsy
Research shows that 90-99% of individuals with narcolepsy carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, a key genetic marker linked to the disorder. While not everyone with this variant develops narcolepsy, its presence significantly increases the risk. The Genovate Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test identifies this genetic variant, providing valuable insight for individuals experiencing symptoms or with a family history of the condition.
Narcolepsy affects an estimated 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people, but only about 25% receive a correct diagnosis. Many cases are misdiagnosed as psychiatric or emotional disorders, delaying proper treatment. Those with a family history of narcolepsy face a significantly higher risk—up to 20 to 40 times greater than the general population.
This test helps individuals identify their genetic susceptibility, making it a useful tool for those experiencing symptoms or with a family history of the condition.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness – Experienced by all individuals with narcolepsy
- Cataplexy – Sudden loss of muscle control, affecting about 70% of cases
- Sleep paralysis & vivid hallucinations – Occur in 10-20% of those affected
- Microsleep episodes – Brief, involuntary sleep lasting only seconds
- Disrupted nighttime sleep – Frequent awakenings despite extreme fatigue
- Atonia – Temporary loss of muscle tone, often during sleep transitions
- Involuntary leg muscle movements – Sudden jerking or twitching
- Rapid REM sleep onset – Entering REM sleep almost immediately after falling asleep
This test focuses on detecting the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, which plays a significant role in the development of narcolepsy. Having two copies of HLA-DQB1*06:02 significantly increases the risk of narcolepsy, with a risk increase ranging from 7X to 25X. In some cases, individuals with this genetic profile could face a risk as high as 250X.
For individuals carrying one copy of HLA-DQB1*06:02 along with an alternative HLA-DQB1 allele, the risk is still elevated, but typically around 3X higher than that of the general population. The effect of the alternative allele can either reduce or increase the risk, depending on whether it has a protective or risk-enhancing effect.
On the other hand, the absence of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant generally indicates a low risk of developing narcolepsy. However, it’s important to note that between 15% and 25% of unaffected individuals may still carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, which suggests that while genetics is a significant factor, it is not the sole contributor to narcolepsy. Other genetic variants within the HLA-DQB1 gene may offer some protection, further complicating risk assessment and highlighting the complexity of this condition.
How Common Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy affects an estimated 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people, but only about 25% receive a correct diagnosis. Many cases are misdiagnosed as psychiatric or emotional disorders, delaying proper treatment. Those with a family history of narcolepsy face a significantly higher risk—up to 20 to 40 times greater than the general population.
This test helps individuals identify their genetic susceptibility, making it a useful tool for those experiencing symptoms or with a family history of the condition.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
- Excessive daytime sleepiness – Experienced by all individuals with narcolepsy
- Cataplexy – Sudden loss of muscle control, affecting about 70% of cases
- Sleep paralysis & vivid hallucinations – Occur in 10-20% of those affected
- Microsleep episodes – Brief, involuntary sleep lasting only seconds
- Disrupted nighttime sleep – Frequent awakenings despite extreme fatigue
- Atonia – Temporary loss of muscle tone, often during sleep transitions
- Involuntary leg muscle movements – Sudden jerking or twitching
- Rapid REM sleep onset – Entering REM sleep almost immediately after falling asleep
Narcolepsy Risk Variants Tested
This test focuses on detecting the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, which plays a significant role in the development of narcolepsy. Having two copies of HLA-DQB1*06:02 significantly increases the risk of narcolepsy, with a risk increase ranging from 7X to 25X. In some cases, individuals with this genetic profile could face a risk as high as 250X.
For individuals carrying one copy of HLA-DQB1*06:02 along with an alternative HLA-DQB1 allele, the risk is still elevated, but typically around 3X higher than that of the general population. The effect of the alternative allele can either reduce or increase the risk, depending on whether it has a protective or risk-enhancing effect.
On the other hand, the absence of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant generally indicates a low risk of developing narcolepsy. However, it’s important to note that between 15% and 25% of unaffected individuals may still carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, which suggests that while genetics is a significant factor, it is not the sole contributor to narcolepsy. Other genetic variants within the HLA-DQB1 gene may offer some protection, further complicating risk assessment and highlighting the complexity of this condition.
How it works
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The Genetic Connection to Narcolepsy
Research shows that 90-99% of individuals with narcolepsy carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant, a key genetic marker linked to the disorder. While not everyone with this variant develops narcolepsy, its presence significantly increases the risk. The Genovate Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test identifies this genetic variant, providing valuable insight for individuals experiencing symptoms or with a family history of the condition.
