Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant With Narcolepsy

I became a flight attendant in May 2017. Initially, I didn't care to be a flight attendant. I was going to practice my interviewing skills. Once I got the acceptance email, I figured it would be cool to travel the world a bit. And that's what I did.

Well, sort of, it was a daunting experience at first.

Getting my medical forms signed

Before I arrived at flight training, I had to send in a medical form that depicts the ability to perform the duties of a flight attendant. My primary care doctor, whom I saw once a year, didn't feel comfortable signing my medical form. I understood her hesitance, but I knew that I had control of my narcolepsy and could safely do the job requirements.

I went to my narcolepsy doctor, whom I have known for years, and she signed it for me. I will celebrate my 5th flight attendant anniversary in May 2022.

Daily life of a flight attendant with narcolepsy

The night before a flight

Before I began a work trip, I prepared meals and packed my luggage. My standard bedtime is about 10:30 PM. If I have to work early in the morning, I will go to bed earlier to get at least 7 hours of sleep. I use medication that helps me stay asleep. I sleep for about 3.5 to 4 hours with 1 dose, and I take 2 doses a night.

Morning

I wake up and do my morning routine. My morning routine starts with taking the medication that helps me stay awake, along with drinking a full glass of water. I journal, say my affirmations, and then do mobility exercises in 10-minute increments, totaling 30 minutes. After I am done with my routine, I shower, brush my teeth, and put on my uniform. I pack my lunch box and double-check my luggage for any essential items I have forgotten. I live 30 minutes from the airport, so I like to leave the house an hour before my report time.

Afternoon

Once I arrive at the airport, I park and go through employee security. When I arrive at my gate, I stow my baggage and start on my safety checks. Once the entire crew comes, we do a crew briefing that goes over the logistics of the trip and aircraft. In the aviation industry, every day is different. I can fly between 1 to 5 flights a day. If I begin getting tired at work, I take medicine to give me energy. I can take a short nap in a crew lounge on rare occasions if there is a significant time gap between flights.

Evening

I like to work 4-day trips, which means I stay in a hotel for 3 nights. How long I work that day and how I feel once I get to the hotel determines what I do. When I'm not tired, I like to work out, go and get food with my crew members, and explore the city I am in. When I am tired, I take a 30-minute nap and then relax until it's bedtime.

Do you work with narcolepsy? Tell us how you control symptoms during work hours in the comments below!