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its.zuriel

Updated 1y ago

Struggling with Narcolepsy: Seeking Advice

Hi y’all! I have yet to be diagnosed with narcolepsy, but my doctor suspects that I’m struggling with it. I sleep 15+ hours a day, and I’m falling asleep all the time during the day. Now that I’m going to university and moved off campus, I drive 30 minutes to class and it’s been really rough. I miss class all the time because I just fall asleep. I’ve reached out to a specialist to get a sleep study done, and we’re working out a date for the appointment. In the mean time, is there any advice y’all have for me?

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Sandra1

2y

Hi, the only thing that helped me with narcolepsy was medication. I suggest that in the meantime, try to find out if there is public transportation to the university so that you don't fall asleep while driving. Regarding homework or things like that, I suggest dividing them with short breaks so that when you start to lose concentration you can rest. Hope the investigation progresses and you will receive treatment as soon as possible.
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BreBee04

1y

Try to join a study group or find a study buddy. I've had one friend since high school that helps me stay awake so I can do my homework and it's the only way I can get things turned in on time. The constant interaction can really help!
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Bridget53

1y

Take power naps thought they day as needed
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KitKat1450

1y

What has helped me is looking of tips & coping skills for narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness, adhd(executive dysfunction), brain fog, & learning/memory efficiency. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy the last year but I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid but found ways to work around it. I have yet to find meds that help. But specifically adhd organization tips have helped me the most. I’m trying to make everything as easy as possible for me to function daily. Daily stuff gets easier to manage I have more bandwidth for extras- or in your case school. Basically figure out how to hack your environment and body so it works with you rather than against you. When I was in school I would study/do work and take a break-10 mins exercise or sun every hour to increase energy and learning efficiency. Eat specific things based on my body and brain needs that would help prevent blood sugar crashes and increase BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor- increase learning). I had to be regimented to try to give myself the best chance because I was really struggling at that time so… I agree the driving to and from was the death of me. I ended up quitting because my body just couldn’t keep up with that while also trying to focus enough to learn and stay awake make it to classes and to do the work and take care of myself. I did a lot better at a very small school that was easy to get to and less stressful overall. It really made me realize that to me the little things matter and if I can stack up enough to work in my favor it’ll work out but it may be too much or too much energy for me if it’s not set up in a way I can work with. I hope you find what works for you and can get some help to manage🙏🏻 Overall whether you do have narcolepsy or not… you are struggling and can learn a lot from some of the tips and asking people how they manage like you are now. I find the best advice and tips come from ppl that have had it the hardest and figured out ways around it whether your at that level or not.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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