"Is it Nap Time Yet?"

I've been working on another post for while but this one gets to be first because I had an epiphany yesterday. It's about a question that I either think or utter out loud at least a few times every single day. The question is "Is it nap time yet?" The epiphany was realizing that when this happens, it's because I've just been hit with a Sleep Attack.

Portrait of Jo by Gustave Courbet

If you don't know what I mean by Sleep Attacks, here's the run-down. They are a bi-product of Narcolepsy (and probably other disorders that cause Excessive Daytime Sleepiness) that are characterized by an almost uncontrollable need to sleep right. now. The difference between a Sleep Attack and Cataplexy is that a Cataplexy attack is totally uncontrollable, has very little warning, and results in loss of muscle control, sometimes completely.

At least for me and others I've talked to that get Sleep Attacks, we usually have some warning when they happen such as a sudden lack of visual and/or mental focus (often referred to as "brain fog"), increased forgetfulness, a "swimming" or heavy head, dizziness, droopy eyes, feeling cold, headaches, etc. Lots of the same things that happen to a healthy person when they are sleep deprived and stay awake longer than is wise.

Unlike Cataplexy, we can sometimes fight off a Sleep Attack by getting up and moving, munching on sugary or salty snacks, downing caffeinated drinks, or just suffering through, though these can lead to a worsening of symptoms. Also, because these happen so frequently to people with Narcolepsy you can probably imagine how it might effect a person's employment, daily activities, and overall health. Even working a desk job it's not always possible or easy to get up and move, grab a snack, or close our eyes for a few minutes to let it pass, and doing so can be disruptive for those of us that deal with it and others around us. Of course, medications such as prescriptions stimulants can help, but without effective medicine to help one sleep, a person can only run on stimulants for so long before they either lose their effectiveness or lead to a crash that can mean sleeping for days.

So if you're around me and hear this question pass my lips, now you might understand why. Not because I want to nap, but because I need to but I really am trying my best to stay awake and alert.