Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant With Narcolepsy

By Alyssa Walker

2 min read

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!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Narcolepsy.Sleep-Disorders.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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AliceInWonderland Member
<inline-mention username="Alyssa Walker" user-id="4121103"/> Is it really possible to become a flight attendant with narcolepsy? I heard it's extremely hard to get in. It was always a dream of mine to become a commercial pilot but the dream was shut down 3 years ago since my diagnosis. I am in my late 20s now and have no idea what I want to do since being a pilot was my 1 and only dream since childhood. I have amazing customer service skills and as long as I am on my meds then I am good. Did you tell them your illness before you got hired?
1. AliceInWonderland Member
 <inline-mention username="Alyssa Walker" user-id="4121103"/> Thank you! 1. Is there any flight attendant schools you reccomend? 2. Late 20's is not too late to be a flight attendant correct? 3. How do you survive when on reserve stand by and will it exceed 24 hours? Do you not sleep at all? 4. In case of international travel, how do you bring your medication as some countries ban it?
2. Alyssa Walker Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="AliceInWonderland" user-id="6763612"/> 1.You don’t need flight attendant school to apply. They will train you if you are offered the job. 2. That’s correct. 3. Honestly that’s the toughest part of the job with narcolepsy or not. But on reserve there is usually a list. So you can look at the list and try to guess if and when they would use you. For example if I have reserve starting at 3am but I am 24th on the list, than I can assume that they won’t call me anytime soon. 4. My company doesn’t fly internationally except for some places in the Caribbean. I haven’t had an issue and have traveled to over 20 countries. I can’t imagine anyone taking someone’s prescribed medication away from them however I am not an expert so you would have to do your own research.
Tatiana Corbitt Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Alyssa Walker" user-id="4121103"/> It sounds like you have found a treatment plan, and schedule, that makes it possible for you to work as a flight attendant! I understand what you mean by needing to take 30-minute naps, especially closer to bedtime. I take about two to three scheduled naps per day. I'm glad you were able to find a doctor to work with you. Best of luck to you moving forward! Thanks for sharing. Warmly, Tatiana (narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net Team Member)