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Real members of MyNarcolepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Michigan City, IN
July 25
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What Is Narcolepsy? 8 Facts To Know Read Article...
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

I’m not adding a reply. I’m just letting everyone know that read what I said. I forgot to proofread it before I posted it and that you were able to realize Siri had some words wrong. But that you were able tounderstand what word should have been there instead

August 4
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

When I was first diagnosed with narcolepsy, I immediately quit eating sour candy and eating lemons if you ever had a mole of sour candy I understand why I quit at that time so when I get sleepy during the day, I will throw a handful of sour candy in my mouth wow is that a shake up wake up and I keep sour candy in my car and in my purse diagnosed in 1994 this day the sour candy still works, but when I wake up, I can usually tell if my eyes feel tired. I do not get behind having many times I have told my mother by phone that I can’t go shopping or take her somewhere because I was not safe enough to drive thank God that I had sense enough to stop eating the sour candy and eating lemons wrong enough and I could use those if I was out driving and started to get tired. I could use those so I could get home. I have met a few people that I have narcolepsy and I told him what I did and they tried it and it helped them. Also it’s always better safe than sorry. Good luck to you all. I also listen to the only fast music when I’m in a car and hip-hop no Neice love songs, etc..

July 30
MyNarcolepsyTeam

Driving with narcolepsy is a real challenge, and it's something many people in the community think carefully about. Research shows that more than half of people with narcolepsy have fallen asleep while driving, so taking it seriously is really important.

The good news is that with the right combination of treatment and Show Full Answer

Driving with narcolepsy is a real challenge, and it's something many people in the community think carefully about. Research shows that more than half of people with narcolepsy have fallen asleep while driving, so taking it seriously is really important.

The good news is that with the right combination of treatment and smart habits, many people are still able to drive safely. One MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared that once their doctor found the right medication, driving became much less risky — and they were thrilled to regain that independence. Here are some strategies that have helped people with narcolepsy drive more safely:

- Taking scheduled naps before getting behind the wheel
- Keeping trips short — one MyNarcolepsyTeam member limits drives to no more than an hour on a good day
- Pulling over immediately when sleepiness kicks in and napping in a safe spot
- Letting a friend or family member know your location if you do pull over
- Avoiding driving after heavy meals
- Skipping alcohol and sedating medications before driving
- Taking wakefulness-promoting medication before driving (as directed by a doctor)
- One MyNarcolepsyTeam member found that listening to talk radio kept them more alert than music

The key theme is knowing your limits and not pushing through sleepiness, especially behind the wheel. It's also worth knowing that some states have laws requiring you to report medical conditions that can affect driving. Checking in with your healthcare provider about your specific situation — and possibly doing a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test — can help you and your doctor figure out what's safe for you.

July 25

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A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lansing, MI