In previous studies, we suggested that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α and its receptor 2 (TNFR2) genes could be associated with the susceptibility to human narcolepsy, and that haplotype carrying DRB1*1502 had a negative association with the disorder. To further evaluate these associations, we herein compared narcoleptic patients with healthy individuals who, like the patients, possessed both DRB1*1501 and DQB1*0602. Results agreed with the negative association of DRB1*1502 and positive association of the TNF‐α(−857T) and TNFR2‐196R combination with the disorder. In addition, a significant association of the TNF‐α(−857T) homozygote with the disorder and an increase in a rare haplotype carrying DRB1*1501 and TNF‐α(−857T) in the patients were also observed in the present study.