Stress and Tests

By Tara OConnor

4 min read

For those of you who read my previous articles, you know that I have been in firefighter one class and was getting close to the end of class and some tests.

I have now finished firefighter one class for those of you who haven’t read my previous articles, and I took my written for my certification this past weekend. I have my practical next month.

I feel like most people stress out about upcoming tests or waiting for test results, but for me, it is so much more than that.

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed

At least the week before a big exam, I feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Stress normally takes a huge toll on me and my narcolepsy symptoms.

I don’t sleep as well, and I am normally up extremely early every day until the exam. This past weekend, on the day of my test, I was up 2 whole hours earlier than I had to be. I looked at my clock and saw it was 5:30 AM, and I just knew it was going to be a long day.

Up early, tired early

I tried to lie there and go back to sleep, but after a half-hour, I knew I wasn’t going to go back to sleep. So I got up and got ready for the day.

I ended up getting some extra studying time which was nice, but by 7:00 AM, I was tired again. I laid down and rested my eyes for about a half-hour but never fell back asleep. I got up once again, got ready, and went to my test.

Pushing through the sleepiness

Luckily, this time for my test, I only had a 15-minute drive, unlike over an hour for my hazmat written I had to take months ago. I felt awake and alert when I got to my test and I was doing well throughout it.

But then I started to get sleepy again. I knew I had to push through because I was already over halfway done with my test by the time this happened. Luckily, I get accommodations for these tests and I am allowed extra time and extra breaks. This helped a lot because whenever I was feeling sleepy, I would stand up and walk around to try and wake up a little.

Waiting for my results is stressful

When I was done with the test, I was so relieved. I had studied hard for that test and was glad to be done with it. The downside is that the fire service training bureau isn’t up to date with the testing system, and I have to wait a week or 2 before I find out my results.

That would be fine if stress didn’t mess with my symptoms so much. I have found myself waking up before 7 AM every day this week, and it is starting to really show. Today I was ready for a nap by 9 AM, and normally I am good until at least 10 AM.

Frustrated with an inefficient system

I wish the testing system was online so we could find out our results right away or get an email within a few days. Instead, we have to wait for the testing instructor to mail in our tests, and then we have to wait for the fire service training bureau to mail us a letter with our scores on it.

It is also annoying that we have to wait so long to test because if we don’t pass, we have to schedule a retake, and most testing sites fill up quickly or are far away. We can’t even sign up "just in case" because they said it screws with their numbers, which I get, but I feel like they could do things differently.

Another test on the horizon

Another thing about these tests that is stressing me out is waiting until next month to take my practical. I have time to study, which is nice, but waiting that long just stresses me out even more. People in charge of these tests don’t get that someone like me is not just an ordinary person.

Most testing centers are at least an hour away, if not longer. I was lucky to sign up way in advance and get into the site closest to me. If I have to retake any of the exams, I have to sign up after I get my results in the mail, and normally the only tests left are either far away or months away.

Stress is my nemesis

I feel like stress is the hardest thing for me to manage because we can’t help it most of the time. It’s even harder when it affects my symptoms SO much.

Do you have any ways to help you with stress and tests? I know some things help, but I feel that there is no way around most of it. All we can do is focus on things we can control rather than the things we cannot, no matter how hard that may be.

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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Tatiana Corbitt Moderator & Contributor
 I am sorry to hear that stress is a trigger for your Narcolepsy. That is the case for myself as well. When my anxiety and depression is worse, for example, my Narcolepsy symptoms are exacerbated. It makes difficult situations even harder to deal with! Good luck on your test results, I am sure you did great! Best regards, Tatiana (Narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net Team Member)
1. Tara OConnor Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Tatiana Corbitt" user-id="4122413"/> I am sorry that stress is a trigger for you as well. I wish things like this didn't affect our narcolepsy. Thank you for your kind words. I did end up passing my tests!! 
2. Tatiana Corbitt Moderator & Contributor
 That's awesome, good for you Tara! It's always good to hear from you and read your articles. Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Tatiana (Narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net Team Member)
Lynne Moderator
Sending you hugs and positive energy for a good test result!- Lynne
1. Tatiana Corbitt Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Lynne" user-id="4121960"/> Thanks for spreading positivity in our community, we appreciate it! Do you find that stress worsens your Narcolepsy too? Best regards, Tatiana (Narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net Team Member)
2. Tara OConnor Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Lynne" user-id="4121960"/> Thank you for your support!!
Iris Vasconcelos Moderator & Contributor
 Yes tara! You are so right! Stress is one of the worst things for my symptoms. It makes my hallucinations so bad it's terrifying. I really have found that I cannot work in high pressured environments as they really make me stressed. You are incredibly strong to be doing what you are doing! So amazing and a really great example. I think as long as you are respecting your boundaries and not pushing yourself to the point where it's a detriment to your health then keep going. Really amazing! Thanks for sharing your story. take care, Iris (Team member)
1. Iris Vasconcelos Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Tatiana Corbitt" user-id="4122413"/> Thank you so much hun! Yh I only realized it this a few months ago too! I always put it down to my medication lol. Take care too! Iris (Team Member) 
2. Tara OConnor Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Iris Vasconcelos" user-id="4121607"/> Thank you for your comment! I wish stress didn't affect us like it does! I also find that it is hard to work in high pressure environments but it also helps me distract my sleepiness!