Questions: Which statement by the patient is a characteristic finding in narcolepsy? 'I have difficulty falling asleep.' 'My spouse tells me I walk in my sleep.' 'According to my spouse, my legs move all night.' 'I go to sleep at dark and wake up when the sun rises.'

The answer is: 'I have difficulty falling asleep.'

Explanation for each option:

1. 'I have difficulty falling asleep.'

   • This statement is not characteristic of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy typically involves excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, not difficulty falling asleep.

2. 'My spouse tells me I walk in my sleep.'

   • Sleepwalking is not a characteristic of narcolepsy. It is more associated with sleep disorders like somnambulism.

3. 'According to my spouse, my legs move all night.'

   • This statement suggests restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder, not narcolepsy.

4. 'I go to sleep at dark and wake up when the sun rises.'

   • This describes a normal sleep pattern and is not indicative of narcolepsy.

Summary: Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, not difficulty falling asleep or the other symptoms mentioned.