Can people with Idiopathic Hypersomnia work? What kind of work can they perform?

Yes, depending on the degree of affect IH has on the person and their response to medication. Some more demanding fields may not be appropriate

I am sure there are fields of work where a person with a good handle on their IH diagnosis can employment. I do not work and I have been deemed incapable of working, due to the severity of my illness. I cannot drive, I sleep at odd hours of the day and night. I would think that IH sufferers would do best with a work from home type employment.

I think it depends on the severeness of your condition and the treatments/strategies you have in place to manage symptoms. I don't think it matters what kind of career you pursue, any form of work is going to be challenging when you constantly feel sleep deprived

The answer to this question depends completely on the severity of a person’s illness and also the effectiveness (if any) of any medication. Providing it is safe to do so, there should be no limits as to whether a person can or cannot work if they suffer from Idiopathic Hypersomnia. If barriers do present themselves in the workplace, the best point of contact (in the uk) is either a recognised union or a charity that can help in disability discrimination. Because regardless of whether a sufferer believes they are disabled, if the illness affects them on a day to day basis fo more than 12 months, then by definition, they are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

My answer is to suggest how someone with IH might start to think about a vocation change, by sharing my experience. Given the nature of IH, it has been very helpful for me to shift my focus to endeavors and activities that I can do myself, pretty much in solitude. Previously, I was a co-owner and creative director of a small graphic design studio. "Solitude" is not at all objectionable to me since my personality is distinctively introverted. I absolutely get my energy from the time I spend thinking, by myself. Writing has become a viable vocational activity for me. It's something that can be done whenever I am able to do it. It doesn't require much interaction with others, but when it does, that interaction is a well-defined segment of time (call it an "interview") that I can control and designate. Whatsmore, it's generally understood by most people, that writers are not as accessible as the average normal person. And if I am only able to communicate via email or other written correspondence for an extended period of time, which is very common with me, well people I deal with have no problem with that. Also, the "research" that writers are responsible for doing is in effect, a license to be eccentric, different, or even odd. (For many people that I come in contact with, being thought of as "eccentric" or even "odd" is just fine with me. It's just not possible or practical to tell my entire "IH story" to everyone I cross paths with.) For me, writing has become a very satisfying creative activity that works very well with my inability to "work well".

I am involved with lots of people around the world with my condition. And before I had fibromalga symptoms I was able to do any proffesion. Usually on an evening though so I could fit in . I was a residential social worker and teacher for people with autism for many years. I think we make good carers and artists. We can run our own business and homes . It's just the stigma you have to watch.