What condition is characterized by uncontrollable lapses of sleep?

The condition characterized by uncontrollable lapses of sleep is narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep. Individuals with narcolepsy may experience an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day, regardless of the amount of sleep they have had at night.

This disorder can also include other symptoms such as cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone), hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. The distinction of narcolepsy lies in the fact that it can cause individuals to fall asleep unexpectedly during normal activities, which is not typically seen in the other conditions listed.

Conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and encephalitis may involve changes in consciousness or disrupted sleep but do not inherently cause the sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks characteristic of narcolepsy. Understanding narcolepsy's unique symptoms and mechanisms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.