Narcolepsy? That's just when you're sleepy all of the time, right?
I mean that's not a big deal, I'm sleepy too. Well, you're close, but actually very wrong. Yes, we are sleepy all of the time, but it is way worse than the normal person, which is why it is referred to as a sleeping disorder. Narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, but that's not all.
People suffering from narcolepsy may also have cataplexy, sleep disruption, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. And yes I said suffering. I know what you must be thinking...I love to sleep, how could that be bad? Well, you know how you feel after staying up for 24 hours? Or after working hard all day in the sun? Or playing a ballgame?
Combine them all and that's how we always feel. We could sleep for 24 hours straight and it would feel as if we hadn't even been to sleep at all. So you see the sleep isn't bad but being awake is.
No matter what we do, it doesn't seem to help. Coffee? Nope, I mean maybe for a few minutes but definitely not for long. Energy drinks? Tbh, they make me feel extremely sick. Medicine? It definitely helps the most but I am still incredibly sleepy. Naps? Sure, they do tend to help, but if one day we don't get one, it feels like we have not had any sleep for a week straight.
I know, most people love naps. Don't take me wrong, naps may even be my favorite part of the day but the thing is that we do not really have a choice. We have to take naps to get by.
See the thing is that when you have narcolepsy, sleep controls your life. Sleep becomes an addiction. You will do anything you can to get more of it. You will choose sleep over work, friends, and family. You will feel as though you can never get enough, no matter how much you try.
On top of all of that, being sleepy means not being able to concentrate and having memory loss. Believe it or not, but school is a problem for me. Getting up in the morning for class is torture. If I haven't had enough sleep, the information basically goes in one ear and out the other. You feel as though you can never concentrate. However, there is one thing that you know you can concentrate on.
Can you guess what it is? Sleep.
The next time you can sleep. Your day basically revolves around when you can take another nap or when it is finally time to go to sleep. I know, some days, even by lunch time, I just can't wait until bedtime.
If you've ever thought about what you should say to someone with narcolepsy, here are a few examples of what you should definitely not say:
Oh yeah I know, I'm sleepy too.
You may be sleepy, but you aren't narcolepsy sleepy, sorry. We wish we were only as sleepy as you.
I mean, you can't be that sleepy.
Wanna bet?
You just need to not take as many naps.
You see, if I don't have a nap, I won't really physically be here. I might as well be asleep. The more naps I take don't make me sleepier, they just let me get through the day.
What you can do:
Do not be offended...
when we pick a nap over hanging out or talking to you. It isn't personal, I promise.
Get us cozy blankets and fluffy stuffed animals so our sleeping experience will be much more enjoyable.
I mean we'll enjoy it anyway, but a cute little bear to cuddle with would be nice.
Be supportive.
Why, might you ask? Well, we didn't choose to have narcolepsy, it just happened. Just be caring about it and don't get mad when we don't feel like doing as much as you.
Most people are not aware of narcolepsy or do not think it is anything serious. I am just trying to spread awareness to the people who do not know. Narcolepsy affects an estimated 1 in every 2,000 people in the United States. Only about 25% of people have been diagnosed with narcolepsy.
