My Narcolepsy Does Not Make Me A BurdenI not long ago read a journal article discussing the “challenges” of parenting a child with narcolepsy. At first, I could hardly believe what I was reading. Here were doctors...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Hidden Power of Sunflower Lanyards: My Journey Through an Accessibility RevolutionAs someone living with narcolepsy, a hidden disability that most people can’t immediately identify, the sunflower lanyard has become an essential part of my life. Before the lanyard, I relied...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Finding Credible Health InformationThere is a lot of health information available on the internet these days. From personal blogs and online magazines to government websites and beyond, advice about your health is available...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Communicating Narcolepsy NeedsNarcolepsy symptoms make life hard. And misunderstandings surrounding narcolepsy symptoms can make life harder! Effectively communicating our narcolepsy-related needs is very important. Effective communication is important for bridging the gap...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Life With and Without CataplexyImagine living life constantly on the edge, where a simple joke could cause your knees to buckle, or a surge of anger might send your body into paralysis. This was...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Personal Experience with Jet Lag and Narcolepsy ManagementI traveled from London, departing on a Friday evening and arriving at my destination Australia, Queensland, at 7:00 AM Sunday. The journey was smooth, and I managed to stay awake...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I Don’t Want Your Medical AdviceI’ve had so many people give unwelcome medical advice about my narcolepsy symptoms. “Try going gluten-free! My gut flora was being destroyed by gluten, and once I stopped eating it...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Attending Conventions, With a Sleep DisorderIf you have met me, then you know that I am the biggest nerd possible. Video games, anime, DND, board games, etc.; you name it, I'm more than likely have...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Narcolepsy and the Menstrual CycleLiving with narcolepsy type 1 has made me extremely aware of how this condition impacts every part of my life, even my menstrual cycle. For many women, that time of...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Enhancing Patient Safety: Addressing Communication Breakdowns in HealthcareNavigating the corridors of healthcare systems can sometimes feel like a journey through a dense forest with no map. Each twist and turn brings new encounters, some smooth, others fraught...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Enter Our Giveaway: A Heated Stuffed Animal for Sleep ComfortHere at Narcolepsy.Sleep-Disorders.net, we often talk about staying awake. However, sleep health and the things that help us get quality sleep are also important. Some may have something that helps...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Successful First Narcolepsy Conference I had the privilege of attending a national narcolepsy conference, something I never thought I would be able to do! For one, it is difficult for me to travel (and...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Does Narcolepsy Make Me Unreliable?As someone living with narcolepsy, I have often wondered if my condition makes me an unreliable person. Narcolepsy is an incredibly unpredictable condition, so it seems only logical to me...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
International Travel: When Preparations Fall ApartTraveling doesn't start the day you get on the plane, train, or bus; I think traveling starts from the day you purchase your ticket. From that moment you hit preparation...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Medically MisunderstoodHave you ever walked into a doctor’s office hopeful that you will receive the help you need, only to leave an hour later feeling rushed, misunderstood, and generally awful? This...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Narcolepsy in Children and Teens Versus AdultsNarcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects the sleep-wake cycle. A hallmark symptom can be excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Narcolepsy affects both adults and children, but it may look different...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Caring for a Child With a Rare DiseaseRaising a child is never easy, but it can be especially challenging if your child has a rare disease. There are 5,000 to 8,000 different rare diseases that all present...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Subtle Differences Between Nightmares and Night Terrors: A Personal PerspectiveLiving with narcolepsy type 1 (with cataplexy) has given me a unique relationship with sleep. I’ve become quite adept at handling the complexities of daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, but my...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Putting a Ring On It: Getting Married While Managing a Sleep DisorderSome might have noticed my recent name change from “Craine” to “Bhavnani.” As of my writing this, I exited the dating realm and entered the “married and living together” realm...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What’s the Deal With Stimulants?Stimulants can potentially be helpful for those of us with narcolepsy. When I was first diagnosed with narcolepsy, though, sodium oxybate was the first drug introduced to me as a...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments