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 others—friends, family, and coworkers—may 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.