Working can be hard enough without having to deal with the symptoms that can come with narcolepsy, like excessive daytime sleepiness. Repetitive or monotonous tasks that are common in many jobs may also increase the frequency of “sleep attacks.” Additionally, cataplexy — when your muscles suddenly go weak after you have a strong emotion — can make certain tasks difficult or dangerous. Just waking up on time for work can be challenging when you’re living with a serious sleep disorder.

“It’s waking up that is impossible for me and constantly threatened my employment before I started living with my parents and working from home,” a MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared.

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Even though the symptoms of narcolepsy can create challenges, people with the condition are able to work all sorts of jobs and succeed in their careers. If you’re living with narcolepsy and looking for a job, here are some ideas to help you get started.

Working With Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy may influence the jobs that people get and how difficult it is to keep them. One study compared people living with narcolepsy type 1 with others who didn’t have that diagnosis. They found that the people with narcolepsy weren’t able to work as many hours and experienced problems performing some tasks at work.

Another study surveyed over 100 people living with narcolepsy. They reported that the condition affected their career options and interfered with the work they did do, which lowered their quality of life.

When you live with narcolepsy, you may be able to get both job protections and accommodations at work.

Other studies have reached different conclusions. One looked at education and work in people with both type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy. It found that people with narcolepsy were able to succeed similarly to those without the diagnosis, though they did have a lower quality of life. Another study found that people with type 1 narcolepsy were employed at rates similar to others, though some changed jobs more often.

These studies don’t mean that you can’t find work if you’re living with narcolepsy. Working with a sleep medicine specialist can help you get the treatment and support you need to excel at work.

Great Jobs for People With Narcolepsy

If you’re concerned about how symptoms of narcolepsy might interfere with your work, try looking for jobs that help avoid them. The best job for you is a job you love, regardless of how well it matches your symptoms. If you’re not sure where to start, though, these jobs might work for you.

1. Food Service

Because monotony can make it harder to keep yourself awake during the day, jobs that keep you up and moving might make it easier to stay awake. The constant stimulation of working in a restaurant, a bar, or a coffee shop can help you stay awake and focused even if you do get sleepy during the day.

2. Retail Work

Whether it be a clothing store or grocery store, working in the retail industry usually means you’re on your feet and interacting with customers. If you have a sales background or enjoy recommending products to people, this may be a good fit for you.

3. Work From Home

If you can get a job where you work from home, you won’t have to worry about driving with narcolepsy and you might be able to accommodate your symptoms yourself, without needing to find a time or place to rest in an office setting. Depending on the role, you may have the flexibility to work at the times that best suit you.

“I’m transitioning back into the office at least part time. I spoke with HR and my manager about my need for naps during the day.”

— A MyNarcolepsyTeam member

4. Entrepreneurship

When you work for yourself, you get to make your own hours. This means you’ll be able to accommodate your sleep schedule, rest when you need to, and work around factors like disrupted nighttime sleep or daytime drowsiness.

5. Medicine

Many jobs in the medical field keep you moving around and dealing with all sorts of different problems all day long. This kind of stimulation can be good for someone living with narcolepsy. Some people with narcolepsy have found that educating people about the condition is a fulfilling job.

How MyNarcolepsyTeam Members Manage Work With Narcolepsy

If it seems overwhelming to find a good job that works with your narcolepsy, you’re not alone— MyNarcolepsyTeam members know what it’s like to make a job and narcolepsy work together. When looking for the best job for you, be prepared to ask for what you need. “I worked full time at home the first two years after I was diagnosed, so I was able to take naps when needed. I’m transitioning back into the office at least part time. I spoke with HR and my manager about my need for naps during the day,” a MyNarcolepsyTeam member shared.

Here’s what other MyNarcolepsyTeam members have said about navigating the challenges of working with narcolepsy:

• “I’ll be honest — I couldn’t do a job where I sat down at a computer all day. I would be fired in 48 hours.”
• “My sleep patterns have to surround my hours of work. That is the only way I can stay awake.”

Workplace Protections for People With Narcolepsy

When you live with narcolepsy, you may be able to get both job protections and accommodations at work. The exact process for getting these will be different depending on where you live and work, but these are some general points to know.

Narcolepsy itself isn’t necessarily a disability. However, if it negatively affects your daily life, including your ability to work, it may qualify as a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act. You may need to educate your employer about narcolepsy and explain to them how narcolepsy interferes with your ability to work.

After that, you have the right to ask for reasonable accommodations — what you need to be able to be successful at work in light of narcolepsy. Some ideas include:

• Having nap breaks
• Sitting near natural light
• Having a standing desk and permission to stand whenever you need to
• Working during your most alert hours
• Recording meetings so you can rewatch them as needed
• Having a nap space at work
• Working from home when you need to

It’s important to note that employers can deny requests that put an undue burden on them. However, many successful accommodations don’t cost your employer any money.

Getting Support To Find the Right Job With Narcolepsy

If you’re worried about finding the right job because of narcolepsy, there are resources available to help. People With Narcolepsy provides self-paced job training, group career coaching, workshops that help you integrate AI in your job search, as well as an online community where you can talk to others living with narcolepsy. You can apply for the program, get matched with opportunities and resources that fit your goals, and get the support you need to find the right job for you.

If online support isn’t right for you, most communities have job training and career development opportunities that you can use when you live with narcolepsy. You can reach out to your state or local government to find out more.

Join the Conversation

On MyNarcolepsyTeam, people share their experiences with narcolepsy, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What’s the best job you’ve found while living with narcolepsy? Let others know in the comments below.