What would you do if you felt an overpowering urge to nod off? For most people, I think we would just go to sleep. It’s relatively easy to find a comfortable place to lie down and catch a few Z’s. In fact, this is a sensation that we have all felt at some point in our lives.
However, for people with narcolepsy, that quick cat nap will not sate their powerful urges.
This condition frequently presents itself in adolescence. However, it can be easily misdiagnosed because of the stereotype associated with teens being lazy and sleeping too much. This stigma is dangerous for a couple of reasons:
- A medical condition that induces sleep should not be considered laziness.
- It’s not a sign of weakness or lack of sleep that is causing their need for sleep.
College freshman Merritt, has to deal with these stereotypes and stigmas all the time. But rather than get angry about the attitudes of others, she decided to work hard to educate others about her condition.
Merritt was first diagnosed as the result of an incident when she went to her car to catch a nap during a shopping trip with her mom. Unfortunately, she was found later completely unconscious, the door of the car wide open. Who would have guessed falling asleep could be so dangerous?
At a national conference for her condition last October in Orlando, she was named a youth ambassador for narcolepsy. As part of her responsibilities, she educates people and encourages them to talk to specialists.
Did you know only 25% of people with the condition are diagnosed?
One of the most common symptoms, though not always present, is cataplexy. Cataplexy is weakness in the body during times of extreme emotional states. It can be nearly any emotion, as long as it is powerful. Merritt might end up on the ground when she is laughing.
Sleep paralysis is also fairly common. When waking up or falling asleep, some people experience an inability to move. Not everyone who suffers from this condition necessarily has narcolepsy, but there does seem to be a connection. Others have hallucinations or disrupted nighttime sleep.
We can help Merritt by learning more about narcolepsy on our own and educating our loved ones.
Learn more about Merritt’s efforts and the support group she established with her mom by clicking here.
