What Do You Wish People Knew About Narcolepsy?
It is not by itself considered a disability.
Yet 1 definition stated that narcolepsy is a disabling condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.
If that’s not a disability nothing isAs a nurse-being in a profession that works 24/7- it is really hard to find a job that will allow me to work days- per Dr's orders-as to keep me on a strict sleep schedule-when Narcolepsy is not considered a disability. Nurses are allowed to work day shifts by seniority not by health conditions. So good luck- and if you fall asleep in shift=fired!
That lack of empathy and understanding must have been so disheartening,
. I wish you had been able to continue working, but I am glad you were approved so quickly for disability. Wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member)
I am an LPN and I cant count the amount of times that I have fallen asleep while standing at my med cart. I will be writing and before I know it, it feels like im still writing but the ending of what im writing trails off into gibberish. Typically I have to go outside to wake myself up which the bosses dont understand and get mad at me taking an extra break or ill have to run out to my car and grab my modafinil and again, they consider that an extra break and give me a tough time.
I wish some people knew what it feels like to have it. Just for a day or two 😂.
That would sure improve the empathy factor, wouldn't it?! Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
I wish people took the time to understand it better instead of making jokes and not taking it seriously.
Thanks for sharing that, yes, we totally get that. There are so many misconceptions due to how narcolepsy has been portrayed by movies and tv shows. Warmly, Kristin (Team Member) Yes, that's really one of the most frustrating things isn't it! As Kristin said, the movies and TV shows can perpetuate this idea that narcolepsy is a joke. I think that the more we talk about it, the more we have an impact on this kind of thing changing. Luckily these kind of ableist portrayals are becoming less acceptable, although there are still ways to go with the media! Thanks for sharing, Best Wishes, Lauren (Team Member)
