Narcolepsy! It’s one of those conditions with varying symptoms and intensity. I have Narcolepsy type 1 with cataplexy. For the most part I have learned to cope over the years and with medication I can get through most of a day normally, work and drive short distances. If I do not take my meds or I try to stay up past the usefulness of the meds I can feel sleep attacks coming on and have to go to bed quickly or risk falling asleep wherever I’m at. I also have sleep paralysis, hallucinations and nightmares. These are mostly controlled with medication as well. One thing I still have issues with is cataplexy. If I experience really strong emotions of anger, fear or anxiety my hands and face start to go numb and I’ll start to slur my speech. It’s less severe with medication but definitely still happens.
In the past I’ve worked office/tech jobs where I’m sitting most of the day and I’d fall asleep even with meds.
Now I work in a very busy field where I’m constantly moving which helps stay awake and mentally stimulated. If I didn’t take my meds though I’d risk injuring myself or someone else falling asleep (even standing up).
I’m super fortunate to have a partner who respects my condition, doesn’t get mad when I have to go to bed at 8:00pm or take a nap on vacation. He picks up a lot of extra slack around the house and doesn’t make a big deal. Not many people with narcolepsy are as lucky to have a partner that works with them and doesn’t make them feel guilty for being a “sleepy b!tch” as I so eloquently call myself. Even most of my family doesn’t understand and gives me a hard time.
In the past I’ve worked office/tech jobs where I’m sitting most of the day and I’d fall asleep even with meds.
Now I work in a very busy field where I’m constantly moving which helps stay awake and mentally stimulated. If I didn’t take my meds though I’d risk injuring myself or someone else falling asleep (even standing up).
I’m super fortunate to have a partner who respects my condition, doesn’t get mad when I have to go to bed at 8:00pm or take a nap on vacation. He picks up a lot of extra slack around the house and doesn’t make a big deal. Not many people with narcolepsy are as lucky to have a partner that works with them and doesn’t make them feel guilty for being a “sleepy b!tch” as I so eloquently call myself. Even most of my family doesn’t understand and gives me a hard time.