r/Narcolepsy • u/Crazy_Producer_257 • 1d ago
Diagnosis/Testing Almost diagnosed
Hi all-
I have yet to be officially diagnosed till my sleep study later this month. My dr thinks I have narcolepsy type 1 with full body cataplexy episodes.
Few questions I’m researching if y’all could share your experiences (yes, I’m also reading through posts to find answers)
Daytime exhaustion but when I lay down I can’t sleep but I’m too exhausted to do anything. No stimulants or caffeine. Is this common?
Even with my adhd meds (adderall) and an energy drink I want to curl up and sleep, like my body is just so tired. Im looking forward if there’s medication that helps this, any suggestions for non medication approach? I have things to do 😂
Full drop cataplexy episodes describe what I experienced to a T! Yay. But the episodes have happened when I’m driving or chilling on the couch, so unknown triggers and they only happen once every few months. Does the sleep study put me through things to try to trigger it for them? I think it’s stress that triggers them. Never happened when I’m excited or laughing.
Can my drivers license be taken away for N1?
Tysvm!! I really appreciate any responses.
3
u/____ozma 21h ago
The sleep study will not measure cataplexy as far as what I've been told. They're testing how long it takes you to sleep, and what your brain is doing when you do sleep, mainly your REM activity. Cataplexy is self-reported or visualized by the doctor.
Going to the doctor stressed me out so badly the two times I brought it up, I actually had some arm weakness to demonstrate to them and I was falling asleep in the chair waiting.
There's no automatic way to have your license suspended to my knowledge. Your doctor or another person generally has to notify the DMV with "credible information" that you are impaired to the degree you can't drive. I might be wrong but most people here who don't drive because of their condition make that choice voluntarily.