Narcoleptic Cocker Spaniel Wins Over The Internet With His Instant Naps
Have you ever felt so tired that you thought you might just fall asleep right where you're standing? A lot of us probably have, but most of us don't have what's called narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that tells bodies to rest at seemingly the most inopportune time. It doesn't only happen to people; apparently it happens to pets too — exemplified by this narcoleptic cocker spaniel caught on TikTok taking unexpectedly instant naps.
@thecockerspanielpuppy We picked up Gösta when he was 9 weeks old, already the same day he showed symptoms, and 3 days later he received his diagnosis. Even if the diagnosis looks scary. It is important to know that the prognosis is good, and dogs with narcolepsy often have a good quality of life. Gösta is a puppy who lives an amazing life🖤 #englishcockerspanielpuppy #puppydog #narcolepsy #cataplexy #narcolepsywithcataplexy
On the young pup named Gösta's TikTok account, the bio reads: "Sharing our journey and raising awareness. It may look scary, but it really isn't! Despite my diagnosis, I am living my best life.🖤" The page then features clips of the eager puppy running through forests...then falling asleep. Eating a snack...then face-planting. Apparently, when heightened emotions become too intense, it's lights out for this little doggy due to a narcolepsy diagnosis, going beyond typical sleepy puppy naps.
"He just gets so excited he has to take a nap," reads one comment on the video, as another adds, "Oh he fights the snooze so hard too 😭." Meanwhile, a third person points out: "Spaniels get [excited] about everything. Seems he has a life full of naps on the way xx." We're just glad he found a home that is willing to give him the best life possible!
What exactly is narcolepsy?
Unlike simply being tired after a long day, people (or pets) with narcolepsy may suddenly feel an overwhelming need to sleep, even while walking, eating, or doing something they enjoy. The condition affects the brain's sleep-wake cycle, making the usually obvious line between being awake and being asleep much less clear. There are two main types of narcolepsy. Type 1 includes cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle control that can happen after strong emotions. Type 2 causes excessive daytime sleepiness without cataplexy. Other possible symptoms beyond sudden sleep include sleep paralysis, unusually vivid dreams or hallucinations, and frequently interrupted nighttime sleep — though that may be hard to spot in a dog.
Narcolepsy is rare in pets, but it has been diagnosed in dogs and, even less often, cats. Affected pets may suddenly become weak or collapse, especially when excited, playing, or eating, but typically remain conscious. The exact cause in both people and pets isn't always clear, but with Type 1, people often have very low levels of hypocretin, a brain chemical that helps regulate alertness. While there is no cure, treatment and lifestyle changes can help reduce episodes and improve quality of life for affected people and pets, à la the narcoleptic dog Gösta.
For more information on unusual pet sleeping habits, read up on whether dogs can sleepwalk, and whether a cat sleeping in an unusual place is a sign of sickness.