The monotony of long trip driving can be “hypnotic” sometimes especially if you hadn’t had enough sleep

I apologize if anyone is offended by my attempts at a little humor. I've had narcolepsy for most of my adult life and it sucks. I have fallen asleep while standing. The most notable time was during some Army medic training & I fell through a folding wall into another classroom. Both classes broke out laughing. All you can do at that point is take a bow & laugh along. Narcolepsy is not something you can cure so you figure out how to control it (meds help) and live your life the best way you can. We are all here because it helps to share our experiences with others that are going through the same thing. We share some tips, send a hug, and maybe laugh a little. If dumping a bucket of ice water on my head & posting a picture will help bring a smile to your face, I will gladly do it and then take a bow. (ok...maybe if 10 people ask...I didn't bring an extra shirt with me today).

Heat causes sleepiness, driving in it can be dangerous for you and others. Driving long distance can also be dangerous. You can keep telling yourself you are ok and you have great reflexes but eventually you are going to have to face reality and I hope it is before you or anyone else gets hurt, I am sorry if I stepped on someone's toes, I am talking from experience. I have Narcolepsy/Cataplexy, and the doctors said I have had it for years. I don't know if has happened to any of you but I didn't believe them. I never heard of this before and I really didn't know what to do for her years, Then one day I was on Facebook and I saw this Narcolepsy post and I love it. This is the only place where we are not judged, questioned, pitied, looked down on or looked at strangely. Even though there are different types of Narcolepsy we can still understand one another. Thank you for your time,I am sorry that this was so long.

Its been a struggle for me I get sleepy when it is very hot outside. Especially, when I first get in the car and its super hot. Also, makes me sluggish. I drink ice water or frozen smoothies while im driving that kind of helps. Honestly, when i get sleepy nothing helps until I stop and take a short nap. I get scared when im drivinv and hate when it happens and im running late or tigjt on time. Just a couple days ago I slammed on my breaks because I didn't realized i fell asleep when i was driving. My reflexes are quick but its so scary. I didnt hit anyone TG!

Narcolepsy hits me during summer and winter and any time.

So my advice is to stay hydrated, well fed, well rested.

Make sure you have a good sleep hygiene. Specially if you are keeping a job.

It's very important not to skip sleep schedules. It helps me to take a nice shower before resting. A tea and my meds.

Because I also have neuropathy it helps that my baths are with cold water.

A nice attitude goes a long way.

Believing every day that our day will be bright and being thankful of your higher authority. Mine is my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

I pray and thank him for curing me every day, believing that I am not sick with such narcolepsy and believing in a miracle of sanity every day.

Stay bless all day.

And that is my advice in dealing with my everyday narcolepsy.

Edna Hernandez Chiquis
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