What condition is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness?

The condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness is narcolepsy. This neurological disorder affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day. A hallmark symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy, which involves a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions, resulting in muscle weakness or collapse.

While insomnia involves difficulty in falling or staying asleep, it does not typically include daytime sleepiness to the extent seen in narcolepsy. Anxiety disorders can lead to sleep disturbances but primarily manifest through stress and worry rather than the specific symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness or muscle weakness. Sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, but it does not specifically cause sudden muscle weakness as a symptom. Narcolepsy stands out for its unique combination of excessive daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness.