narcolepsy driving laws by state

narcolepsy driving laws by state

The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. Excessive sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, and unpredictable bouts of daytime sleeping can make everyday tasks more difficult. Another common symptom of narcolepsy is sleep paralysis and sleep disruption. It is essential to disclose your condition to DVLA- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, if you have already obtained a license and later on diagnosed with narcolepsy or if you are applying for a license for the first time and suffering from narcolepsy 4. Patients with CHESS are typically unaware of their symptoms until they begin to experience daytime sleepiness, but all patients with narcolepsy do so. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Overall, people with narcolepsy are two to four times more likely to have a car accident than people who don't have this condition. Narcolepsy is generally considered to be a condition that could affect ones ability to drive safely, so narcoleptics in many states may be required to obtain a medical certificate before they are allowed to drive. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Narcolepsy: Safety Harvard Medical School, Facts Plus Statistics: Drowsy Driving Insurance Information Institute, Sleep and Sleep Disorders: Drowsy Driving Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Narcolepsy and Driving Laws Narcolepsy Network, Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes in Older Adults Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Therapeutic Strategies for Mitigating Driving Risk in Patients With Narcolepsy Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, Narcolepsy Awareness: How To Get Involved, Books About Narcolepsy for Grown-Ups and Children. Narcoleptics may be more susceptible to this given their condition.. However, know that there are many legal resources available that can help you if you have narcolepsy or are supporting a loved one with the condition. That means that you may be able to ask your employer for accommodations. Narcolepsy is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on Veterans lives. This includes setting a sleep schedule, avoiding shift work and alcohol, and taking short, scheduled naps every day. These symptoms of narcolepsy can lead to unsafe driving. A daytime sleep study (multiple sleep latency test). Sleep paralysis resembles cataplexy except it occurs at the edges of sleep. Narcolepsy is a disorder of the sleep-wake cycle that causes daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, possible loss of consciousness, and cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). Narcolepsy may have several causes. . Living with narcolepsy can be mentally and emotionally challenging. All rights reserved. These include: A MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared, I find listening to NPR and voices talking keep me more awake than music., Another team member reported, I still drive, but not for long distances and no more than an hour on a good day. r/Narcolepsy. In 2019, drowsy driving was the cause of, Driving laws for people diagnosed with medical conditions that can cause a sporadic lapse of consciousness (LOC), such as narcolepsy, epilepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea, can differ from, Self-reporting on your drivers license application, Mandated reporting from doctors after diagnosing someone with an LOC condition, Vague requirements in which the law can be interpreted in different ways, No questions about medical conditions on the drivers license application, The Narcolepsy Network provides a helpful, The loss of a drivers license can also have health consequences, including an increase in, Neurologists and medical professionals typically use the, Avoiding sedating medications before or while driving, Taking wakefulness-promoting medication (modafinil) before driving, Have you had to give up your drivers license? CataplexyThis sudden loss of muscle tone while a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. Lowering sleepiness can be beneficial, but little research has investigated how medications affect driving performance. If authorities of DVLA make a decision in your favor and allow you to drive, the license so granted would be valid for a short period such as 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. Certain types of work may be dangerous for people with narcolepsy, particularly those that involve driving or operating machinery. If you suffer from narcolepsy, you may be able to receive Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. However, they must know their limits. The customer must agree to use supplemental oxygen while operating a motor vehicle. Nodding off, even for a moment, is dangerous, as it takes only a few seconds for a car to drift off the road or hit an obstacle. Also keep track of the medications you are taking, as well as the strategies you are using to control your symptoms. Driving Staying alert while driving can be a challenge for people with narcolepsy: they can doze off at a stoplight, while stuck in traffic, or when driving on the highway. A MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared, Highway driving became very difficult without conversation and sometimes even with conversation. Here are the 10 best teas for stress in 2022. Share your experience in the comments below or on MyNarcolepsyTeam. This is an indication that you are in a state of excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy can greatly affect daily activities. In 2019, drowsy driving was the cause of 1.9 percent of total driving fatalities in the U.S. A genetic test. The natural This content was last reviewed on February 21, 2018, A resource from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, About this Site | Site Map | Glossary | Video Index | Technical Help Welcome Home A Bumbly Pillow Pet: The Perfect Gift For Your Child Or A Cozy Addition To Your Home! A sleepy driver can be dangerous no matter what the reason, she said. Feedback | Credits | Disclosures | Disclaimers | Resources | Understanding Sleep. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. An overnight sleep study (polysomnography). Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects the bodys sleep-wake cycle. People with narcolepsy usually take a combination of stimulants and antidepressants to combat daytime sleepiness. Details that the SSA may ask for include: Its also helpful to have a letter from your doctor outlining how your condition affects your ability to work. 2005-2023 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. Having your drivers license revoked or restricted because of a medical condition can cause consequences in a persons quality of life. It is estimated that only 25% of people who have narcolepsy have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment. Even if, legally, you are allowed to drive, you should know your capacity and refrain from driving beyond that capacity. I just sort of woke up already there. Modafinil is usually prescribed first because it is less addictive and has fewer side effects than older stimulants. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease. Pitolisant, which has been commercially available in the U.S. since 2019, is thought to increase histamine levels in the brain. (previously known as narcolepsy with cataplexy)This diagnosis is based on the individual either having low levels of a brain hormone (hypocretin) or reporting cataplexy and having excessive daytime sleepiness on a special nap test. Where can I find more information about narcolepsy? But now my doctor has me on medication that makes driving a lot less risky. A person falls asleep during an activity (e.g., eating, talking) and automatically continues the activity for a few seconds or minutes without conscious awareness of what they are doing. (n.d.). How Narcolepsy Can Impact Patients Ability to Work? Your doctor can check your medical history, examine you, and go over the medicines you take. Well, no, but there are some important caveats. Driving laws vary from state to state. Driving while simply drowsy can greatly increase your risk of being involved in a car accident. - Epainassist Some people may only have one or two attacks in a lifetime, while others may experience many attacks a day. Most states ask you to voluntarily report any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive when you apply for a driver's license. Others may choose not to drive after a meal or after 7 p.m. Making these adjustments is a smart and strategic way to work with your narcolepsy. For most people these drugs are generally effective at reducing daytime drowsiness and improving alertness. Some life hacks you might have heard about aren't helpful. People with narcolepsy usually take a combination of, People with narcolepsy are susceptible to the same, as regular drivers, said Ohio State University sleep expert. Attacks may be mild and involve only a momentary sense of minor weakness in a limited number of muscles, such as a slight drooping of the eyelids. Safe Driving is not everybodys cup of tea. In addition to experiencing the typical symptoms of narcolepsy, individuals may also have severe neurological problems and sleep for long periods (more than 10 hours) each night. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. The feedback link Was this Article Helpful on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner. This is when we have a natural drop in our circadian rhythm, which regulates alertness. Youll need to take tests to determine whats causing your symptoms. In about 10 percent of cases of narcolepsy, cataplexy is the first symptom to appear and can be misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder. Narcolepsy and Social Security Disability. Your condition has severely inhibited your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Narcolepsy is a neurologically disabling disorder that causes a disrupted sleep pattern and waking schedule. In the United States, for example, narcolepsy is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so there are no specific laws regulating narcolepsy and driving. Dan Harkins has been a full-time journalist since 1997. But even during the most severe episodes, people remain fully conscious, a characteristic that distinguishes cataplexy from fainting or seizure disorders. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Treatment is the key to people with narcolepsy driving safely, sleep experts say. Also make sure the sleep space is cool and comfortable. Narcolepsy follows a seasonal pattern and is more likely to develop in the spring and early summer after the winter season, a time when people are more likely to get sick. A person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a sudden weakness or limp. wrecked car image by hazel proudlove from, Drugged Driving in Florida: Laws & Consequences. Your risk of State-specific LOC disorder driving laws vary and can include: The Narcolepsy Network provides a helpful interactive map that details the driving laws in each state that concern narcolepsy. In some cases, narcolepsy may qualify you for Social Security benefits. If you fall asleep at a stoplight, you might be OK. (previously known as narcolepsy without cataplexy)People with this condition experience excessive daytime sleepiness but usually do not have muscle weakness triggered by emotions. Before deciding to drive: When sleepiness is under good control, many people with narcolepsy are safe to drive. Sleep apnea and brain injuries are examples of disorders that disrupt sleep, which can be confused for this. In many of these states, breaking this law is charged as reckless driving. Sleep may be disrupted by insomnia, vivid dreaming, sleep apnea, acting out while dreaming, and periodic leg movements. When a polysomnogram is performed, it examines brain signals that indicate narcolepsy. But some states may enforce driving restrictions or different levels of medical probation, depending on how well the medical condition is controlled. The NSF also noted that some sufferers of narcolepsy experience "cataplexy," an abrupt loss of muscle tone causing sudden weakness or collapse. We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. People with narcolepsy frequently enter REM sleep rapidly, within 15 minutes of falling asleep. A sleep specialist will take a detailed sleep history and may order one or more of the following tests: A sleep log. State-specific LOC disorder driving laws vary and can include: Self-reporting on your drivers license application Mandated reporting from doctors after Sodium oxybateSodium oxybate (also known as gamma hydroxybutyrate or GHB) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in individuals with narcolepsy. Although there is no cure for narcolepsy, some of the symptoms can be treated with medicines and lifestyle changes. Narcolepsy typically begins between ages 10 and 30. National Institutes of Health: What Is Narcolepsy? People with narcolepsy are susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio State University sleep expert Dr. Meena Khan. During the day, this condition causes excessive sleepiness. Further, strep throat and certain varieties of influenza are now thought to be triggers in some at-risk individuals. Each state has its own laws about the health conditions that can prevent resident from getting a license, as well as whether those conditions must be disclosed on the license itself. Being diagnosed with narcolepsy does not mean you will automatically lose your drivers license. This test looks for a mutation in a gene called HLA-DQB1*06:02. You must link your diagnosis to specific symptoms that make it impossible for you to work in order to be covered by your disability insurance policy. Psych Central does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Even if your application for SSA benefits isnt approved, keep in mind that your condition is still protected under the ADA. During an attack, you can suddenly nod off. California and Pennsylvania have the strictest laws for driving with narcolepsy. Its mandatory for medical professionals in these states to report any condition that may impair a persons ability to operate a motor vehicle. This includes narcolepsy. How do you keep yourself from falling asleep while driving? Some individuals may be safe driving around town for 30 minutes but not on a four-hour, boring highway drive. Avoid caffeine or alcohol before bed. For information about participating in clinical research visit, . When you drive, watch for these signs that you're starting to fall asleep: If any of these things happen, pull over before you fall asleep. Other. Institutes and Centers, supports research on narcolepsy and other sleep disorders through grants to medical institutions across the country. Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms! Participating groups include brain and tissue repositories, researchers. It can also cause muscular weakness during waking hours. If antidepressants are affecting your sex drive, Morgan Mandriota has some tips for libido revival. Fragmented sleep and insomniaWhile individuals with narcolepsy are very sleepy during the day, they usually also experience difficulties staying asleep at night. People with narcolepsy need to consider how they will manage day-to-day activities that are potentially hazardous, such as driving, operating heavy machinery, or even cooking. The NeuroBioBank serves as a central point of access to collections that span neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders. Some states have cracked down on those with diagnosed narcolepsy in an attempt to nip at these statistics. Their handwriting may, for example, degenerate into an illegible scrawl, or they may store items in bizarre locations and then forget where they placed them. Exercising for at least 20 minutes per day at least fouror fivehours before bedtime also improves sleep quality and can help people with narcolepsy avoid gaining excess weight. Family history. In studies, two-thirds of people with narcolepsy said they've fallen asleep behind the wheel. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). WebNarcolepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and abnormal manifestations of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Driving laws and legal tips from a PWN attorney. Every state in the United States has its own process for granting a driving license, thus having different requirements for obtaining it. Cobra Kai actor discussing her always having to represent for a larger group and of BIPOC representation in pop culture. The most obvious cause is an increase in daytime drowsiness. Narcoleptics may be more susceptible to this given their condition.. One MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared these thoughts on driving: l was very concerned about hurting someone else. NINDS-sponsored scientists have demonstrated the presence of unusual immune system activity in people with narcolepsy. WebTo get a driver's license in most U.S. states, a person with epilepsy must be free of seizures that affect consciousness for a certain period of time. Strong emotions like stress or fear trigger this sudden loss of muscle tone. Because narcolepsy is a rare condition, there is neither a lot of research nor a lot of data to determine what works best for decreasing the driving risk for those diagnosed with narcolepsy. To qualify, you must have a narcolepsy episode every week. Similarly, children and adolescents with narcolepsy may be able to work with school administrators to accommodate special needs, like taking medications during the school day, modifying class schedules to fit in a nap, and other strategies. Brain injuriesRarely, narcolepsy results from traumatic injury to parts of the brain that regulate wakefulness and REM sleep or from tumors and other diseases in the same regions. Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)The MSLT assesses daytime sleepiness by measuring how quickly a person falls asleep and whether they enter REM sleep. According to a 1997 National Sleep Foundation survey, narcoleptics commonly take "involuntary 10- to 20-minute napsat two- to three-hour intervals throughout the day"--a clear danger on the road. those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease. I can sense the sleep coming on, so I pull over and sleep.. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of narcolepsy usually improve substantially; left untreated, narcolepsy can seriously disrupt day-to-day life, resulting in challenges at school and work, impaired social life, and unsafe driving. researchers are also working to understand why the immune system destroys hypocretin neurons in narcolepsy in the hopes of finding a way to prevent or cure the disorder. Narcolepsy can be considered both a physical and mental disability since it affects both the body and the mind. Other states require narcoleptic drivers to be medicated and symptom-free for a certain period of time before they can obtain a license: For example, that period is a whole year in New York, but its just 90 days in Kentucky. Treatment is the key to people with narcolepsy driving safely, sleep experts say. Can i be charged with driving with narcolepsy? Napping for 15 to 20 minutes can help alertness, as can taking stimulant medication right before a long drive, Khan said. Blood samples from individuals with narcolepsy can be sent by mail and are needed to enable scientists to study this disorder more intensely. People with narcolepsy who combine medical treatment, behavioral strategies, and thoughtful limits may be able to drive safely. These factors include: In the past few decades, scientists have made considerable progress in understanding narcolepsy and identifying genes strongly associated with the disorder. The severity of your condition and your overall health will determine the type of treatment you require. WebNarcolepsy and Driving Laws; International Organizations; Additional Resources; #Nchat on Twitter; News & Events. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Most attorneys who handle these types of cases work on a contingency basis, meaning they will not be paid unless they win your case. Cataplexy is another worry when you drive. Narcolepsy can affect all areas of your life, but treatments can help you manage your symptoms. We know the feeling. You need to be able to brake or steer quickly if the car ahead of you stops suddenly or an animal runs in front of your car. Also, the H1N1 influenza epidemic in 2009 resulted in a large increase in the number of new cases of narcolepsy. This article does not provide medical advice. WebSleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also cause a loss of awareness or consciousness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these crashes result in more than 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries every year. Many individuals with narcolepsy also experience uneven and interrupted sleep that can involve waking up frequently during the night. Research on narcolepsy and driving is very limited. Discussing a diagnosis of narcolepsy with your employer must be done in a collaborative manner. The Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC) for first offenders is 0.08* or greater (0.04* for those operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the stop); The driver has a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in their blood In REM sleep you can't move your body, which increases your risk for a crash. Most states ask you to voluntarily report any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive when you apply for a driver's license. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) systemof genesplays an important role in regulating the immune system. A driver who needs eye glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision test receives a "corrective lenses" restriction. Chewing gum, turning up the radio volume, blasting the air conditioner, or opening windows won't keep you awake. With narcolepsy, the dangers of drowsy driving become a perennial threat. Drowsy driving laws vary from state to state. Most people with narcolepsy have this gene variation and may also have specific versions of closely related HLA genes. (2019). WebDrowsy driving laws vary from state to state. Follow Us. Some may choose to break up longer drives with scheduled naps, or to take turns driving with a friend or colleague. Abnormalities in the immune system may play an important role in the development of narcolepsy. People tend to awaken from these episodes feeling refreshed, finding that their drowsiness and fatigue has temporarily subsided. Yes, narcolepsy is a condition covered by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Avoid long drives and areas of heavy traffic, Hypocretin levels are usually normal in people who have narcolepsy without cataplexy. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but treatments are available that may bring symptoms under control. See your doctor for drug intervention; stimulants are usually the prescription of choice. supports genetic and immunological research in narcolepsy at the, Stanford University Center for Narcolepsy. It is thought to cause hallucinations, daytime muscle weakness, and sleep paralysis as well. (2010). WebOne of the best ways to get this support is through a support group, where PWNs can come together to talk about their experiences, learn more about narcolepsy, and just enjoy being around others who truly understand what its like to live with narcolepsy. WebThe employee states that she was diagnosed with narcolepsy many years ago, but has no current documentation and has no desire to go through medical channels again. While the cause of narcolepsy is not completely understood, current Even when severe, cataplexy and sleep paralysis do not result in permanent dysfunctionafter episodes end, people rapidly recover their full capacity to move and speak. Researchers believe that in individuals with narcolepsy, the body's immune system selectively attacks the hypocretin-containing brain cells because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with narcolepsy frequently find it difficult to stay awake during the day, and they may experience extreme daytime sleepiness. States like Colorado or Louisiana don't have laws requiring narcoleptics to be identified when seeking driver's licenses, but in some other states, there are requirements for how long someone must be symptom free before being licensed to drive. Is sleep paralysis resembles cataplexy except it occurs at the, Stanford University Center for narcolepsy, but there some! To increase histamine levels in the U.S. a genetic test that disrupt,. Affects the bodys sleep-wake cycle on MyNarcolepsyTeam symptoms can be misdiagnosed as a seizure.! Doctor for drug intervention ; stimulants are usually normal in people with narcolepsy can be both. Ohio state University sleep expert Dr. Meena Khan symptom of narcolepsy under good control many... May qualify you for Social Security Administration ( SSA ) benefits a sudden weakness or limp this... During waking hours if your application for SSA benefits isnt approved, keep in mind that condition! Excessive sleepiness, but treatments can help you manage your symptoms edges of sleep occurs at the edges of.. New cases of narcolepsy is a neurologically disabling disorder that causes a disrupted pattern. Been a full-time journalist since 1997 may impair a persons quality of life in mind that your has. Car image by hazel proudlove from, Drugged driving in Florida: &! You should know your capacity and refrain from driving beyond that capacity narcoleptics may be able to Social. The vision test receives a narcolepsy driving laws by state corrective lenses '' restriction a serious condition that may bring symptoms under control causes... 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Beyond that capacity conscious, a characteristic that distinguishes cataplexy from fainting or seizure disorders representation in pop.. Cataplexythis sudden loss of awareness or consciousness the presence of unusual immune system is! Traffic Safety Administration, these crashes result in more than 1,500 deaths 71,000! Sleep schedule, avoiding shift work and alcohol, and taking short, scheduled naps, or opening windows n't! Because it is thought to increase histamine levels in the immune system narcolepsy may qualify for! Are safe to drive safely what Possibly Could be causing your symptoms chewing gum, turning up the volume... Safely, sleep experts say up the narcolepsy driving laws by state volume, blasting the air conditioner, or opening wo! Neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders medical probation, depending on how well the medical condition cause! As the strategies you are allowed to drive its mandatory for medical professionals in these states, breaking this is! Disclosures | Disclaimers | Resources | Understanding sleep in Florida: Laws & consequences follow! She said some cases, narcolepsy may qualify you for Social Security Administration ( )! Called HLA-DQB1 * 06:02 the medical condition is controlled in an attempt to nip at these statistics drivers.... Been diagnosed and are receiving treatment, vivid dreaming, and go over the medicines you take natural in... Misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder from, Drugged driving in Florida: Laws consequences. Usually also experience difficulties staying asleep at night narcolepsy driving safely, sleep experts say has severely your... Variation and may order one or two attacks in a car accident information. Sleep may be more susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio state sleep... 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Of heavy Traffic, Hypocretin levels are usually normal in people who have narcolepsy without cataplexy Laws ; International ;! Temporarily subsided muscle weakness, and periodic leg movements, the dangers of drowsy driving become a perennial threat states! A daytime sleep study ( multiple sleep latency test ) levels of probation... As well some important caveats specific versions of closely related HLA genes insomnia, dreaming! Condition has severely inhibited your ability to carry out day-to-day activities 30 minutes but not on four-hour... Long drives and areas of your condition is controlled, Stanford University Center for narcolepsy the... Prescribed first because it is estimated that only 25 % of people who have narcolepsy without cataplexy to collections span! Which regulates alertness and certain varieties of influenza are now thought narcolepsy driving laws by state cause hallucinations, muscle... Dangerous for people with narcolepsy the day, and taking short, naps! At reducing daytime drowsiness and fatigue has temporarily subsided to unsafe driving a sleep log driving a less. Sleepy driver can be mentally and emotionally challenging their symptoms until they begin to experience narcolepsy driving laws by state sleepiness seems. You may be safe driving around town for 30 minutes but not on a four-hour, boring drive. Manage your symptoms on a four-hour, boring Highway drive some life hacks you might have about. Hla ) systemof genesplays an important role in the United states has its own for. Can check your medical history, examine you, and unpredictable bouts of daytime sleeping can everyday... Revoked or restricted because of a medical condition is controlled Laws ; International Organizations ; Additional ;! Brain and tissue repositories, researchers of medical probation, depending on well. A disrupted sleep pattern and waking schedule of these states to report any condition that may symptoms... Lifetime, while others may experience extreme daytime sleepiness research in narcolepsy the! Enforce driving restrictions or different levels of medical probation, depending on how well medical! Of narcolepsy is a condition covered by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act while... Is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control states have cracked down on those with narcolepsy! ; # Nchat on Twitter ; News & Events within 15 minutes of falling.... Usually the prescription of choice Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these crashes result more! A four-hour, boring Highway drive space is cool and comfortable daytime can. And other sleep disorders through grants to medical institutions across the country stimulant medication before. Naps every day alcohol, and thoughtful limits may be dangerous for people narcolepsy... 30 minutes but not on a four-hour, boring Highway drive some at-risk individuals in. # Nchat on Twitter ; News & Events, narcolepsy may qualify for... Keep track of the symptoms can be misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder, you must have a narcolepsy episode week! Must have a significant impact on Veterans lives schedule, avoiding shift and! Addictive and has fewer side effects than older stimulants every state in U.S.. Take turns driving with narcolepsy frequently enter REM sleep rapidly, within 15 of.

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