Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder,and a main cause for excessive daytime sleepiness. It is accompanied by cataplexy,sleep paralysis and sleep hallucinations,collectively known as tetralogy of narcolep-sy. Research progresses in the pathogenesis of narcolepsy are briefly summarized in this article,paving directions for further research. Both the realm of western and Chinese traditional medicine are concerned. Western medicine stated that it′s pathogenesis is closely related to orexin and HLA-DQB1?0602. In addition,recent studies from countries in Western Europe(UK,Finland,and Sweden)have indicated that the use of H1N1 influenza vaccine gives rise to incidence of the narcolepsy as well. From the realm of Chinese medicine,upsetting the balance of Yin-Yang and Yin-Wei are also possible causes attributed to the disease. In the case of child narcolepsy,the con-dition of the patient′s internal organs is also highly concerned.