Narcolepsy & Creativity: Why Are So Many People with Narcolepsy Artists?

As an independent artist with Type 1 Narcolepsy, I moved to Portland, Oregon to find a community of artists and market my art to likeminded people. From painting to poetry, and even filmmaking, I have found myself immersed in various local community circles of artists. Simultaneously, I have been participating in a long-distance artist collective made entirely of fellow artists with narcolepsy.

I started noticing a trend…

Finding a community of artists with narcolepsy

All of these artists are skilled in their own right. From performance arts to visual arts and beyond, some of my most gifted and dedicated artist friends also happen to live with narcolepsy. The more that I contemplated this fact, the more I came to recognize how much my narcolepsy symptoms directly played into my journey of becoming an artist.

I am far from being the only one…

I have a small, tight-knit group of long-distance artist friends that are also disabled with narcolepsy. We uplift and encourage each other. We know better than anyone the everyday challenges we each face, in our own ways. I consider myself fortunate to have found such a gifted, empathetic, diverse, and resilient community.

Why so many artists live with narcolepsy

At some point, though, I began to ask myself – why are many people with narcolepsy artists? And not just artists, but exceptionally talented and inwardly-driven artists?

For many of us with Narcolepsy, being an artist isn't always a conscious decision. Instead, it's often a direct result of having Narcolepsy.

Supplementing income with accessible work after narcolepsy

My own transformation into an artist began around the time that my narcolepsy symptoms started. At the time, my newfound dedication to art was out of necessity. When I lost my job as a scientist due to the severity of my symptoms, I struggled to find accessible ways of creating my own income. I also needed to find safe ways of coping and connecting to the world around me. Creating art helped me pursue these goals.

So in these ways, the path of the artist chose me – not the other way around.

How narcolepsy made art more accessible to me

I realized that I could keep painting while I was falling asleep – a symptom of Narcolepsy known as automatic behaviors. During my scientific studies and career, these automatic behaviors would sabotage my performance. For example, when falling asleep in class my handwritten notes would trail off into gibberish and squiggles. Yet, I realized that while painting, instead of sabotaging my work, these automatic behaviors were adding a unique touch of magic.

When narcolepsy dreams became part of my art

I threw myself into the land of acrylic paint and canvas art. It was the kind of work I could do while falling asleep – instead of being ruined by my automatic behaviors while falling asleep, the painting could take on its own dreamy interpretation. The technical aspects of the art I was creating was impacted by my symptoms – but the feeling behind it was not lost. In fact, it was enhancing my ability to "see" the painting in my waking dreams while half-asleep. In a way, it made my art better. More dynamic. More playful.

Narcolepsy taught us to be dreamers and artists

People with narcolepsy are used to exercising mental fortitude. The effort that it takes for us to even get out of bed is nearly insurmountable. Art takes dedication, and we are nothing if not dedicated to our craft and to living life. Furthermore, due to the nature of our condition, we are used to going against the grain. This determination to stay true to oneself takes much strength. This strength and dedication is what makes great artists.

Are you an artist with narcolepsy? Please feel free to share your story with us and the community in the comments below!