To all the people with narcolepsy out there: how tired are you of having people make light of your condition? The jokes, the playfulness, the jabs—it all gets a little old.
So if you’re one of those people who thinks narcolepsy is just a big excuse to get another bout of sleep, think again!
Here are 5 things you should never say to someone with narcolepsy:
- “WOW. I wish I could sleep that much!”
Oh, do you? Do you really? It’s funny, because people with narcolepsy don’t actually sleep more than other people; it’s just in weird, unpredictable, inconvenient spurts. And when we do sleep, it’s not even that restful. Unless you think falling asleep while standing up or slouched over at a desk is comfortable…
2. “So funny you mention narcolepsy. I think I actually have that, too.”
Young sir or madam, I can assure that you would know if you had narcolepsy. Have you seen doctors upon doctors trying to figure out why you’re so tired all the time and fall asleep suddenly and randomly? No? Then I’m thinking you probably don’t.
3. “I mean, you don’t look sick.”
Aren’t you mature and cultured enough to know that people can look fine on the outside and be sick on the inside? Quit ya judging!
4. “C’mon, I know it can’t be that hard to stay awake.”
*…Crickets…* I imagine your face might look like the straight face, closed eyes emoji. The one that’s a deliberate display of “no comment” because the person you’re talking to is that dumb.
5. “I’m SO tired.”
Are you, honey? Do you want a cookie, too?
