Is It Me or Is It Narcolepsy?I often wonder if narcolepsy is to blame for my lack of focus or if I am. We know that narcolepsy has an impact on behaviour and personality, but to...
New Narcolepsy, New LifeIt is possible to be "born with" narcolepsy and never experience life without it. However, I was not born with narcolepsy. My narcolepsy onset in my college years following a...
Falling Asleep in PublicIf you have narcolepsy, chances are you’ve been in this situation, too. You’re in the grocery store, looking at colorful cereal boxes, when suddenly it hits you – a sleep...
Eating With Narcolepsy Makes Me TiredLong gone are the days where I could eat a full breakfast and feel energized for the day. At the onset of my narcolepsy symptoms, I noticed that my brain...
Working With NarcolepsyNarcolepsy can create challenges to the average workplace routine. Daytime sleepiness can make it hard to sit for long periods at a computer or during meetings. Cataplexy can cause falls...
Approaching Workplace Accommodations – Part One How to approach my employer was one of the hardest decisions I faced after my diagnosis. Accommodations are required to meet the demands of my job descriptions. This is an...
Finding the Right Narcolepsy Treatment Plan Is Like Building a HouseFinding the right narcolepsy treatment plan is like building a house. When I was first diagnosed with narcolepsy, I hoped there would be a quick fix — a pill I...
Narcolepsy Is Not "Just Falling Asleep"So many people don't know what narcolepsy is. Those who do have limited knowledge and understanding. Thanks to its portrayal in the media, a lot of people think that narcolepsy...
Can’t Sleep, Can’t Stay AwakeWhen I explain to people that I have narcolepsy, one common way people like to respond is by saying, “Wow, I’d love to be able to sleep all of the...
Approaching Workplace Accommodations (Part 2): When Good Accommodations Go BadIt’s important to stay vigilant when assessing an accommodations request. Are the accommodations providing support and opportunities for success? Is the employer honoring the requests while maintaining confidentiality? Accommodations require...
To Work or Not — That IS the Question!I received notice today that vocational rehab has a spot open for me. This program is my last attempt to enter the workforce again. I will be starting with one...
Dealing With Narcolepsy Stigma Within the FamilyLiving with narcolepsy isn't just an individual journey; it's a shared experience within the intricate web of family dynamics. While we hope for understanding and support from our loved ones,...
Loving a Narcoleptic: A Letter to My Future LoveI am a narcoleptic. I am not like anyone you have ever known. Life with me will be different and can be difficult. If we are going to do life...
The Exhaustion of Just Making It Through the Day: Helping Others to UnderstandLiving with narcolepsy can involve fighting excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue on a daily basis. Getting through each day and engaging in daily activities can feel like a never-ending battle...
The Dos and Do Nots of Traveling With NarcolepsyHello and welcome aboard flight number 7899 with service to your favorite vacation spot. Thank you so much for choosing to fly with us today. As your flight attendant, I...
Can Stress Trigger Narcolepsy Symptoms?Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to stay awake. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). EDS can make it hard to work, be social, or have relationships...
