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What Are Your Top Tips For Dealing With Narcolepsy In The Heat?

MyNarcolepsyTeam asked a question 💭
San Francisco, CA
July 22, 2024
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared practical strategies for managing narcolepsy symptoms that worsen in heat, with the most common advice being to limit outdoor... Read more

Members shared practical strategies for managing narcolepsy symptoms that worsen in heat, with the most common advice being to limit outdoor time during peak heat hours, stay consistently hydrated with water and electrolytes, and take short naps when fatigue becomes overwhelming. Several members described how cooling hands and feet, avoiding transitions between hot and air-conditioned spaces, staying active when outside, and eating fresh whole foods instead of heavily processed items helped reduce heat-related sleep attacks and exhaustion. A recurring theme was the real struggle of balancing daily responsibilities like work and caregiving with severe heat-induced fatigue, alongside discovering through trial and error which foods, routines, and environmental adjustments make symptoms more manageable.

A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Sadly none of the options are great. If I have to remain outside in the heat, then I sip on electrolytes or pickle juice while drinking lots of water. I avoid going between the heat and the AC. AC intensifies fatigue. Stay moving! If I can refrain from having to be outside, I stay inside and try and take a 40 minute nap during the time of day that I usually have the worst fatigue. That tends to help alleviate some of it. I have also found that chewing on a half a piece of neuro energy and focus gum helps tremendously!

July 23, 2024
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

I stay out of the high heat times of day-heat & humidity. I'm retired & not required to "get out there" to earn a living. I go out early morning & late afternoon/evening. Also, I have a "piddle place" with A/C where a fair amount of time is spent here in South Louisiana. It helps get us apart for "me time".

July 22, 2024 (edited)
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

I agree with Jennifer “stay moving, hydration, eating healthy, and naps.
I try to stay away from processed food as well.

July 24, 2024
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

I have Type 1 and my sleep attacks are worse with the heat. Try cooling your hands and feet. Sometimes that helps too

July 22, 2024
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Thanks for the tips on bread and processed foods. K have been in restaurants and collapsed at the table. It makes me wonder what was in the food i was eating that had that affect.

August 4, 2024

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