Narcolepsy cataplexy places to live how to#

Sometimes, narcolepsy prompts people to rethink their chosen profession or take a break from work altogether. Simple accommodations like squeezing in a short nap during your lunch break or using a sit-to-stand desk may help you stay alert and productive. If you choose to disclose your narcolepsy diagnosis to your employer, be prepared to offer ideas and solutions that will help you be more effective at your job. Learning strategies to deal with narcolepsy in your workplace can help you stay ahead in your career. For anyone you decide to tell, be sure to mention if you’d prefer they keep the information to themselves or share it with others. The news is yours to share, so you should never feel pressured to disclose more details than you’re comfortable with, whether it’s to friends, family, or coworkers. It’s up to you if you’d prefer to tell others on an as-needed basis (for instance, privately before a meeting) or if you’d rather let everyone know casually by email or through everyday conversations at work.

Narcolepsy cataplexy places to live how to#

From there, you can ask for advice on how to increase awareness about your narcolepsy to others. Start by confiding in your manager or someone in HR. Just as with family and friends, educating your close coworkers about narcolepsy may allow you to feel more at ease and better understood.

If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy, your coworkers may make negative and unfair assumptions about you. However, filling them in can help prevent misconceptions about your behavior at work. It’s not always necessary or advantageous to tell your coworkers that you have narcolepsy. Finding trusted loved ones who you can confide in and rely on for support can bring greater joy and freedom to life with narcolepsy.

If your family and friends have never known someone with narcolepsy, it may take them time to understand your experience. How to Talk About Narcolepsy With Friends, Family, and Coworkers Not only does smoking increase the risk of lung cancer, but the act of holding a lit cigarette poses an immediate threat if you’re prone to falling asleep unexpectedly. With the support of health care professionals and support groups, you can quit nicotine and transition to healthier narcolepsy treatments.Įven if smoking seems to help in the short term, people with narcolepsy are not immune to the adverse side effects of tobacco. However, some people with narcolepsy rely on the stimulating effects of nicotine to manage their symptoms. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most crucial lifestyle changes you could make for your health.

Schedule time for yourself to go to the movies, read a book, or get a massage.

Practice deep breathing and meditation.

Create a schedule to help prioritize your responsibilities.

Finding healthy ways to manage stress can also help prevent some of the anxiety and wakefulness that occur when you need to rest. For people with narcolepsy, strong emotions, including stress and anger, can trigger cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone). It’s no secret that learning to cope with stress is an essential life skill, especially when you’re managing a chronic condition. Read more about diet and nutrition for narcolepsy. Developing healthy lifestyle habits and working with your physician to identify any other underlying issues will help you to stay alert and feel your best with narcolepsy. Combining a balanced meal plan with regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk of other sleep disorders like sleep apnea that could complicate your condition.

People with narcolepsy are more prone to depression and unexpected, rapid weight gain. Fiber-rich nutritious foods provide sustained energy to prevent blood sugar fluctuations that may contribute to drowsiness after meals.īursts of exercise work as a natural mood and energy booster.

Eating well and staying physically active can go a long way toward feeling your best with narcolepsy.