Harmony4All

Thank you Coast2Coast, I completely understand how the "closed eyes" can quickly spring out of control. I'll also take your advice on training myself not to take naps. The issue I have is that I only have two clinical days. Those days I get up at 4am. There is no way I am going to wake up at 4am all the other days, especially since I do all my studying and homework in the evenings after my children are in bed. So, that's going to be rather difficult (having a consistent sleep hygiene), and that's also why I have such difficulties with clinicals that are so early. I am a night owl and always have been. A night shift would be my ideal shift once I get my license. It's just these early morning clinicals that are rather difficult to work through. How long have you had Narcolepsy? In addition, I don't take Provigil every morning, I have been advised to only take it when I need it. I metabolize medications extremely fast, which means 50 mg is all I need to give me about 4-5 hours of "awake", I then have to take another 50 mg just before that one wears off. If I take a higher dose, then I feel as though I am "floating" or "dreaming". So, thae 50 mg has been working for me. At times, if I can't wait for the medicine to kick in, I will grab a soda that gives me a quick boost until the Provigil kicks in (but the soda is extremely short-lived). I also have learned that if I take the Provigil around the time I have eaten, the medicine has no effect on me. So, it's a bit tricky. It's best if I take it on an empty stomach. The 50 mg may appear to be extremely small, but between my dr and I, we have been trying different meds and dosages for about 3 years when we discovered that I am extremely sensitive to medication, hence metabolizing them rather quickly, and finding out the 50 mg is my dose (100 mg pill split in half). So, you don't think my nursing school should know about my disorder, as long as it's managed? Thank you again!!!

Hi, I am currently in nursing school with two semesters left (not counting the one I am currently in). I have been diagnosed with Narcolepsy about 4 years ago (before I even started nursing school). I have noticed that due to my disorder, I have been late to clinicals a couple of times (because it is so early and I have such a difficult time waking up). I set my alarm 2 hours before I even have to leave. Yes, I have medication to perk me back up when I am feeling really sleepy. This disorder is also covered by the ADA (American Disabilities Act). The other day, during the post-conference at clinical, I was resting my head against the headrest of the chair, still listening and rocking the chair back and forth, but closing my eyes because I was way sleepy. I noticed the clinical instructor making a point to watch me rest my eyes. I noticed it when I would open them up every couple of seconds. I wasn't falling asleep, but had a strong desire to just shut my eyes. So, after that, I am wondering if I should let my school know that I have this disorder. At first, I was worried that they may inhibit me from doing certain things, but since I have been at their school for almost 2 years, they would be able to look back at my track record and see that I've been doing extremely well, including my grades. So, should I tell my school about my disorder? Thank you all!

Narcolepsy, or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, is harder to "get under control" then most would think. I did not "fall asleep" during the meeting, I only shut my eyes to rest them. I was still swiveling my chair back and forth as to show that I was not asleep. All of us at the end of clinicals are extremely exhausted. Like I said in my other responses, I do have medication I take to defeat my sleepiness. Currently, my clinical instructor doesn't allow us to take lunch, so our days are an hour shorter. With this disorder, I could really use a break. How would diabetics do without eating prior to getting their insulin injection or to prevent hypoglycemia? I bet they get coverage to have a break so to eat. Any ideas?

I think most people, when hearing the word "Narcolepsy" automatically assume that all narcoleptics fall asleep unexpectedly. That is not the case for me. Mine is more classified as "Excessive Daytime Sleepiness" as I have never fallen asleep and I also have medication that I take to keep me from getting sleepy. There was no "physical entrance" exam of the like when I entered nursing school, so there was nothing to disclose.

Yes, I can practice as a nurse with this disorder and it's not as extreme as some may think. I have never fallen asleep except when I am in bed at night or while taking a nap. I have medication that assists me in staying alert.

Hi, I am currently in nursing school with two semesters left (not counting the one I am currently in). I have been diagnosed with Narcolepsy about 4 years ago (before I even started nursing school). I have noticed that due to my disorder, I have been late to clinicals a couple of times (because it is so early and I have such a difficult time waking up). I set my alarm 2 hours before I even have to leave. Yes, I have medication to perk me back up when I am feeling really sleepy. This disorder is also covered by the ADA (American Disabilities Act). The other day, during the post-conference at clinical, I was resting my head against the headrest of the chair, still listening and rocking the chair back and forth, but closing my eyes because I was way sleepy. I noticed the clinical instructor making a point to watch me rest my eyes. I noticed it when I would open them up every couple of seconds. I wasn't falling asleep, but had a strong desire to just shut my eyes. So, after that, I am wondering if I should let my school know that I have this disorder. At first, I was worried that they may inhibit me from doing certain things, but since I have been at their school for almost 2 years, they would be able to look back at my track record and see that I've been doing extremely well, including my grades. So, should I tell my school about my disorder? Thank you all!