Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test

Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test – Detect the HLA-DQB1*06:02 Genetic Variant

The Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test is designed to detect the presence of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele, which is strongly associated with narcolepsy — a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. If you struggle to stay awake during the day despite a full night's sleep, this test may provide the answers you need.

• Detects the HLA-DQB1*06:02 variant associated with narcolepsy
• Carriers of two copies of the allele have a 7x to 25x increased risk of developing narcolepsy
• 100% private and confidential online results
• Simple and painless mouth swab sample collection

What Is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and in some cases, cataplexy — sudden, brief loss of muscle tone. It affects approximately 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 individuals, yet only about 25% receive an accurate diagnosis. Family members of affected individuals have a substantially increased risk, up to 20–40 times higher than the general population.

The Genetics

The Narcolepsy Risk DNA Test identifies the presence of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele, which is present in approximately 90–99% of individuals with narcolepsy. This allele is part of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, crucial for the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self molecules.

• Two copies of HLA-DQB1*06:02 puts you at 7 to 25 times higher risk
• One copy of HLA-DQB1*06:02 along with another gene variant increases risk by 3 times
• No copies of HLA-DQB1*06:02 indicates a lower risk of narcolepsy

Not all individuals with this allele develop narcolepsy — other genetic and environmental factors also play a role.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

• Excessive daytime sleepiness, making it difficult to concentrate and stay awake
• Cataplexy — temporary loss of muscle control, often triggered by emotions such as laughter or anger
• Sleep paralysis — temporary inability to move or speak when waking up or falling asleep
• Microsleeps — brief episodes of sleep that can occur at any time
• Memory problems, headaches, and restless sleep including vivid nightmares
• Hallucinations, particularly when going to sleep or waking up
• Waking up frequently throughout the night or having trouble staying asleep

How It Works

Step 1: Order your narcolepsy risk DNA test kit online — delivered straight to your doorstep.
Step 2: Register and activate your kit online, collect your DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the prepaid return envelope.
Step 3: Receive your results through our secure online platform — private, protected, and backed by our quality guarantee.