Education/employment

• Narcolepsy can have a major indirect impact on concentration, attention span and short term memory. It does not affect cognition or intelligence directly, so it is important to keep teachers/employers and colleagues informed of the diagnosis. With appropriate allowances made for their sleep disorder, most people can function within normal limits. Especially for children who are diagnosed with narcolepsy, it is important to establish arrangements to make sure they are maximise their potential
• For example, planning naps between classes or at break times, having extra time to complete work/exams, recording lessons
• Similarly, informing your employers can help them understand your needs and help you to continue to have a successful career
• It is worth approaching your employer with regards to planned naps during the day, recording meetings, working flexible hours which can all help you to still perform at work
• Shift work often causes problems with regulating a normal sleep-wake pattern. Some people living with narcolepsy actually prefer shift work and adapt well although for others it can worsen their sleep-wake symptoms. Individuals might need to explore their own preferred patterns of work schedule