Can people with Narcolepsy work? What kind of work can they perform?

Depends on the severity of their narcolepsy and how well they have it managed/treated. I work in accounts full time, however I can't drive. I manage but I don't have much of a personal life outside work.

3/2/17 by Rachael 1050

Yes, I am a sen teacher

3/2/17 by Sarah 1000

I cannot answer for other people. Others have a much harder time dealing with there narcolepsy than i do. It is down to the individual to decide if the job is suitable for them. I work in security sometimes 12 hour shifts on my feet. This job wouldn't be suitable for some but works for me...just.

3/3/17 by Dawnie73 600

People can work, it depends on the person. I personally can only work part time and in the mornings.

4/27/17 by Jennah 1100

With proper medication: people with narcolepsy can ABSOLUTELY work. Depending on the severity, people would choose not to do shift work late or work without activity (so sitting for long periods of time isn't great)

4/28/17 by Emily 1115

Of course! I work 80% as an electrician I need to have a job where i'm active, if i'm sedentary for too long I fall asleep. And it can't be too monotonously.

5/7/17 by Malin 1050

Often a person with narcolepsy can't work full time, even though they have medications. I'm able to work around 25% and still have a relatively normal life.

5/7/17 by 450

Some can, some can't work. The work depends solely on the level of severity of symptoms along with the person's flexibility in schedule, stress level, and determination. No one case of narcolepsy is exactly alike.

5/10/17 by Susan 1000

It depends on how severe the narcolepsy is and whether cataplexy is present or not. I think that maybe 5 percent of people who have narcolepsy probably can work in any field. If someone has uncontrolled and unmediated narcolepsy, it may be very difficult to keep a full time job.

6/3/17 by Tabbij13 830

Some can some can't. Work thats not to full on.

6/12/17 by Faith 2000

We can work. Most days can be difficult.

6/13/17 by Karen 2000

Yes, I have worked factory jobs but mostly secretarial or clerical jobs

8/17/17 by Laurie 2271

Yes. Active, social and stimulating work is best to avoid sleep attacks.

10/6/17 by Aaron 2811

It depends on the severity of their narcolepsy and how well treatment alleviates their symptoms. For folks with mild narcolepsy, there are very few limitations. For more severe narcolepsy,a person may be completely disabled. All people with Narcolepsy should take great care and talk to a doctor to see if you are well enough to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery.

10/26/17 by Cyn 610

Yes they can work. Although they should have support and justification when in crisis. And employers should be benefitiated for giving work to narcoleptics. Because in some periods you have crisis. Stress is my first cause of cataplexy atacks, and so work can be very difficult and can be a mean of gettibg sick. Professions that should not be chosen are: bus,taxi, any veicule driver, doctor because you'll have blackouts, nurse, a profession where you deal with much stress like being a director of an enterprise, etc. You should have the right to retirement when you already have a career. But if have some kind of timetable that can ajust or do some mechanical work, or can miss for some days your work, perhaps you can deal well with disease and your profession.

11/21/17 by sns 1510

With the right medication and self-awareness, I think people with narcolepsy can work in just about any field. There are some fields I don't think PWN should work in (pilot, for example). The biggest factor in being successful in the work force, in my opinion, is having coworkers and managers who are understanding about the disorder. Knowing that a coworker might need a nap or two during the day, knowing that mornings are probably going to be a struggle for a PWN - these are all things that can help.

5/21/18 by chazer25 3050

I honestly believe if properly medicated someone with Narcolepsy can do whatever they want. I’ve personally learned that working on my feet really helps me. I wouldn’t want a desk job but I could do one on the medicine I’m on. I’m not sure of the percentage of people with narcolepsy in any veils but I’m sure it would surprise you to know we live perfectly happy and productive lives.

7/7/18 by Casey Veater 1100

THERE are ppl that do work in limited conditions. Operating hand tool..drive. Percentage....i can't really say.

4/16/19 by KLebal 300

It depends on the severity of the narcolepsy. Some people just need a few naps during their work day while others can't work at all.

8/4/19 by Ottery 1300

Without correct treatment I was not able to work. I slept about 20 hrs a day. I feel with treatment you can do anything. I know work with people with disabilities.

10/13/21 by corbinhope101@gmail.com 1700

Yes, PWN can work. Everyone’s experience and ability is different. There are some industries that regulate requiring stability in medication. My best guess is that about 70% of PWN work.

10/13/21 by MandyW 600

No. People can't work in any field. Some situations can become dangerous when you're lacking concentration. There are no numbers on people with narcolepsy who work in any field.

7/13/23 by Feri Ascencion 1833

Translated from spanish Improve translation

if, since then. but jobs in which they can rest every time x

4/27/17 by marisa rosello. Translated

Translated from french Improve translation

Yes, with a medical treatment. A business that moves préfèrence to stay stimulated and so prevent the seizures of Drowsiness.

4/27/17 by Laïli. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Depends on the degree of narcolepsy. If it is mild, and the job center makes it easy to work with. A narcolepsy severe difficult to much.

11/2/17 by Juan. Translated