Coping with Narcolepsy

You can manage your condition so you can enjoy life the way you want to. Ways to manage narcolepsy include:

• Learn as much as you can about narcolepsy and your symptoms, including knowing what causes you to have cataplexy. This can help you make changes in your daily routine to better cope with whatever symptoms you are having and avoid physical injury.

• Talk with your health care provider often. Tell her or him about any changes in your symptoms or what you are experiencing in daily life. Let her or him know about any side effects you may be having from medications you are taking for narcolepsy or other conditions.

• Join a support group of individuals who are going through the same things you are. You can learn a lot about how others cope with similar symptoms and get emotional support.

• Build a support system. This can include a support group, as well as your family, friends, employer, and teachers. Talk with them about your condition and what they can do to help you manage it. This will help them to avoid wrong thinking that you may be lazy, hostile, unmotivated, or not interested. Talk with an employer or teacher about being able to plan naps during the workday.

• Don't forget to schedule regular nap times during the day, exercise regularly, and make sure you get enough sleep (around 8 hours) every night.

• Talk to a counselor or mental health provider who works with people with disabilities. Counseling can help you to better cope with personal, family, and work-related issues.

• Avoid jobs that require driving long distances or handling hazardous equipment, or that need you to be alert for long times.