Living With Narcolepsy
Living with narcolepsy can be hard. It can affect
your ability to drive, work, go to school, and have relationships. Besides
taking medicine, you can do many things to live a safe and satisfying life.
Driving
Driving can be dangerous for people who have
narcolepsy. Ask your doctor whether you can drive safely. To help make it safer
for you to drive:
- Take naps before driving. This helps some people
who have periods of extreme daytime sleepiness.
- Stop often during long drives. Stretch and walk
around during the stops.
- Try to have family, friends, or coworkers in the
car to keep you aware and engaged, or get rides from them.
Working
People who have narcolepsy can work in almost all
types of jobs, but some jobs may be better than others. For example, a job with
a flexible work schedule can make it easier to take naps when needed. A job in
which you interact with your coworkers can help keep you awake. Jobs that don't
require you to drive or are closer to home also may be better.
Certain laws may apply to workers who have medical
conditions, such as narcolepsy. These laws include the:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law
requires employers to reasonably accommodate the needs of their workers who
have disabilities. This includes people who have narcolepsy. For example,
employers may allow workers to take short naps during the workday or adjust
work schedules to avoid sleepy periods.
- Family and Medical Leave Act. This law requires
employers who have 50 or more employees to provide unpaid leave to employees
with an illness, such as narcolepsy. It also gives leave to family members who
need time to care for a close relative who has a serious illness.
- Social Security Disability Insurance or
Supplemental Security Income programs. These programs may offer financial help
if you can't work because of your narcolepsy.
Getting Emotional Support
Getting support from othersfriends, family,
and coworkersmay help you cope with your disorder. Learn more about
narcolepsy, and tell your family and friends about the disorder. Ask them for
help.
Seek professional counseling for yourself and your
family. Ask your doctor about narcolepsy or sleep disorder support groups in
your area.
Narcolepsy in Special Groups
School-Aged Children
Children who have narcolepsy may have trouble
studying, focusing, and remembering things. To help your child in school:
- Talk to your child's teachers and school
administrators about your child's narcolepsy and the best ways to meet his or
her needs. For example, your child may need to take naps or walks during the
day or tape the teacher's lessons.
- Talk to the school nurse about your child's
narcolepsy and medicines. Together you can work out a place to keep the
medicines and a schedule for taking them at school.
Pregnant Women
If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to
your doctor about whether you should continue taking your narcolepsy medicines.
Certain medicines may interfere with your pregnancy. |