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Lack of Empathy and Compassion When Tired

Tre Burge

I am unable to connect fully or be empathetic when I am tired. I feel like on the surface this makes sense. However, I do want to know if I am the only one.

Tatiana Corbitt Member

I think this is completely normal for people with Narcolepsy to feel overwhelmed with other peoples' emotions when we are overly tired (which happens OFTEN). It's hard to be empathetic with others when we are so exhausted, caught somewhere between sleep and awake. I know as a person that suffers from cataplexy that I have to keep myself numb to a certain degree in order to prevent cataplexy attacks. It really feels bad, holding myself back from experiencing the true depth of emotion. One of our advocates discusses this here: https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/living/cataplexy-emotions You are not alone in this! Hope some of this helps. Warmly, Tatiana (narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net Team Member)
MarkDFW Member

If I am tired and fatigued to a certain point, Mr Hyde sometimes will get involved on my behalf. Not only are you not the only one, I think we all at the very least FEEL that way, even if we're trying to mask it. Perceptive people can tell anyway. It would be interesting to me, to meet people who ARE NOT affected in that situation. I don't think I ever will.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
  
  I think you are right, . It is hard not to be irritable and disconnected when you are exhausted. - Lori (Team Member)
Gabrielle Keith Member

I am the same way! When I am having a super sleepy day, all I think about is myself and I am always in a bad mood. I don't think we are alone in this either! I actually wrote an article about this if you want to check it out!

https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/living/irritable-mood

Xoxo/Zzz, Gabrielle (team member)