Two sides of a coin: Differential response to COVID-19 distancing measures in children with narcolepsy

Abstract

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder, debuting before age 15 years in one-third of patients. Narcolepsy has a negative influence on quality of life, with daily functioning being affected by concomitant cognitive, behavioral, and social problems. In December 2019, a new coronavirus emerged worldwide, causing the severe respiratory disease COVID-19. In the Netherlands, a partial lockdown was implemented that included the closure of schools. Here we present 3 illustrative case reports that teach important lessons for the treatment of pediatric narcolepsy. We observed significant consequences of the partial lockdown measures on daytime functioning, well-being, and school performance, both negative and positive. The consequences of the lockdown led to valuable insights for further treatment, substantiating the importance of personalizing education. Involvement of specialized student counselors, flexibility in the way that education is delivered, and enhancement of environmental factors could help in guiding young patients with narcolepsy through challenges at school.