Leave a review!

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, hosts Kerly and Sakhara, both living with narcolepsy type one, are joined by Dr. Jill McGarry, a clinical psychologist with 28 years of NHS experience. They delve into the importance of holistic health and mental health for managing narcolepsy. Dr. McGarry discusses strategies like energy level management, routines anchored by consistent wake times, and mindfulness. The conversation highlights the profound effects of psychological support, the importance of timing and sleep hygiene, and the benefits of a balanced diet. The episode underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in supporting individuals with narcolepsy and the potential benefits of community support.

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this episode of the Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast, hosts Kerly and Iris introduce their new Advocacy Series aimed at spotlighting changemakers, advocates, and everyday heroes in the field of narcolepsy. They welcome Matt Hornsnell, a sleep advocate diagnosed with narcolepsy type one and obstructive sleep apnea, who shares his extensive experiences in advocacy, public speaking, and research. Matt discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of male representation in advocacy, and the delicate balance between personal life and advocacy work. The conversation delves into topics like the impact of narcolepsy on relationships and mental health, and the necessity of setting boundaries. This episode is an inspiring exploration of how personal stories and lived experiences can drive awareness and change.

Bio:

Matt Horsnell is a husband, father of three, and sleep advocate living with NT1 (narcolepsy with cataplexy) and obstructive sleep apnea. As an author-advocate, he has published research on lived experience with sleep disorders. Matt also works as a consultant for the pharmaceutical industry and on behavioral sleep projects.

Matt has presented in national conferences at SLEEP and the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM). Additionally, Matt is the Co-Host of Hypersomnia Foundation’s UNIGHT.

Matt was recognized as Project Sleep’s Inaugural Sleep Advocacy Champion in 2023. In 2025, he was recognized with Hypersomnia Foundation’s Patient Advocate Award. Matt presented on Sleep Health Equity to The White House (2023) and was featured in a CNN article about life with narcolepsy (2024).

Highlights:

[03:09] The Importance of Social Support

[07:13] Challenges and Rewards of Advocacy

[14:03] Male Representation in Narcolepsy Advocacy

[22:02] Parenthood and Advocacy Balance

[23:02] Setting Boundaries in Advocacy

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.napsforlife.com 

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this powerful international episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Jayson, a PE teacher, endurance runner, and advocate living with Narcolepsy Type 1 with cataplexy in Taiwan.

Diagnosed as a teenager after repeatedly falling asleep in class, Jayson grew up navigating stigma, academic pressure, and deep misunderstandings — especially within a culture where performance and discipline are highly valued. Despite this, he has built a life centered around movement, self-awareness, and intentional boundaries, even running half marathons while managing narcolepsy.

Jayson shares how suppressing emotions to avoid cataplexy affected his identity, why journaling and therapy changed his life, and how he re-designed his career to protect his health. He also gives rare insight into Taiwan’s healthcare system, cultural nap norms, military service exemptions, and what true balance looks like when energy is limited.

This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply human — especially for anyone who has ever been told they “don’t look sick.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What it’s like being diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teen in Taiwan
• How teachers misread symptoms as laziness or lack of motivation
• The emotional cost of suppressing joy to avoid cataplexy
• Why Jayson chose flexible work over traditional career paths
• How exercise dramatically improves his sleep quality
• The role of journaling and therapy in emotional survival
• Cultural differences around naps and productivity
• How plant-based eating helps him manage daytime sleepiness
• Why narcolepsy is still not classified as a disability in Taiwan
• His honest answer to the “red button” question

Why This Episode Matters

Narcolepsy doesn’t look the same in every country — and Jayson’s story highlights how culture, healthcare systems, and expectations shape the lived experience of sleep disorders. This conversation challenges stereotypes and proves that strength doesn’t always look like pushing harder — sometimes it looks like resting smarter.

New Episode Out Now: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/7f587a5c/s4e5-running-half-marathons-with-narcolepsy-jaysons-story-from-taiwan

About the Guest

Jayson is a PE teacher, endurance runner, and advocate from Taipei, Taiwan, living with Narcolepsy Type 1 with cataplexy. He uses movement, structure, and self-reflection to manage his condition and raise awareness across cultures.

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this powerful episode of the Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast, hosts Kerly and Liz kick off a new advocacy-focused series spotlighting changemakers in the sleep disorder community.

They’re joined by Claire Wylds Wright, a UK-based advocate whose journey into advocacy began when her daughter was diagnosed with narcolepsy at a young age. What started as a search for answers quickly evolved into a mission to create change—leading Claire to become an author, mentor, and co-founder of the Sleep Consortium.

Claire shares what it really takes to advocate within healthcare systems, why listening is one of the most powerful tools in medicine, and how collaboration is shaping the future of sleep disorder research and treatment. The conversation also tackles misconceptions, healthcare disparities, and what upcoming treatments could mean for families worldwide.

This episode is a must-listen for advocates, caregivers, clinicians, and anyone passionate about better sleep health outcomes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How advocacy often begins at the diagnosis stage
• Why patient voices matter in healthcare decision-making
• The mission behind the Sleep Consortium
• Differences between UK and US healthcare systems
• Racial disparities in sleep disorder diagnosis and care
• The future of narcolepsy and hypersomnia treatments
• Advice for new advocates entering the space

🎧 Listen now and join the movement shaping the future of sleep health.

Bio: 

Claire is an award-winning author and patient advocate for people living with sleep disorders. After her daughter Mathilda developed Type1 Narcolepsy in 2010, her family moved from England to California to secure treatment and expert care for Mathilda under Professor Emmanuel Mignot at Stanford. Her book Waking Mathilda—A Memoir of Childhood Narcolepsy was published in 2017 and tells the story of parenting a young child with Narcolepsy and the impact of Mathilda’s diagnosis on her life and her family. She lives in Los Angeles with her son, daughter, and cat Mochi.

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, 18-year-old Wendy shares what life is really like growing up with narcolepsy type 1 with cataplexy. Diagnosed at just 13 years old, Wendy opens up about sleep attacks in class, cataplexy triggered by laughter, hallucinations vivid enough to call the police, and the emotional toll of being a teenager who never gets to “just be a teenager.”

Through humor, honesty, and incredible resilience, Wendy talks about friendships, family, school accommodations, dating with narcolepsy, and what it means to walk into adulthood with a chronic sleep disorder — completely unmedicated.

Her story will break your heart, make you laugh, and leave you inspired.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Early symptoms and Wendy’s shockingly fast drop into REM (1.5 minutes!)
• Managing 10+ cataplexy episodes a day
• Being a teen with a hidden disability that classmates don’t understand
• The fear and reality of hallucinations
• Microsleeps, automatic behavior & writing dreams in school notes
• Why Wendy chose to stay unmedicated
• Accommodations in school and the struggle to be believed
• Navigating friendship, dating & self-worth
• Her dream of creating films that portray chronic illness accurately
• Advice for teens with narcolepsy who feel alone

New Episode Out Now 

Link: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/7e049ba0/s4e4-microsleeps-hallucinations-and-homework-wendys-daily-fight 

Wendy is a passionate teen advocate and the creator of the narcolepsy awareness page @undyingnoir, where she designs educational infographics and shares her journey. She is beginning her college path in Film Production and hopes to create media that reflects real, misunderstood conditions like narcolepsy.

Follow Wendy:

Instagram: @undyingnoir

Support the Podcast

Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, Discord access, and exclusive merch.
 Visit: napsforlife.com

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

Trigger Content Notice:

 This episode discusses psychedelics, substance use, religious/spiritual themes, and past trauma. Listener discretion advised.

Leave a review!

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Alexander, a 28-year-old from Pennsylvania who shares one of the most unique and spiritually profound narcolepsy journeys we’ve heard yet. Diagnosed at 17, his story moves through misdiagnosis, heavy stimulants, sleep paralysis, terrifying hallucinations, dopamine-seeking behaviors, pre-workout amphetamines, and how he rebuilt his life by shifting his mindset — spiritually, psychologically, and physically.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Narcolepsy diagnosis experience
• Sleep paralysis + hallucinations
• Dopamine regulation & reward cycles
• Pre-workout supplements & hidden stimulants
• Trauma + head injuries
• Spiritual awakenings
• Mushrooms as spiritual tools
• Self-healing mindset
• Cataplexy experiences
• Redefining narcolepsy as “adaptation” instead of “disease.

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDER
IG: @sleepy.b.woke

New Episode Out Now: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/7efd5676/s4-e3-beyond-narcolepsy-a-journey-of-consciousness-and-healing

Support the Podcast

Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, Discord access, and exclusive merch.
 Visit: napsforlife.com

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this episode of NAR Lipsey Navigators, hosted by Kerly and Liz, the spotlight is on Tara, a 27-year-old woman from Maine who has been living with narcolepsy type 1. Tara shares her story, from being misdiagnosed with ADHD and ODD as a child to finally receiving the correct diagnosis at 22. She discusses her struggles with maintaining jobs, her journey through various treatments, and the significant lifestyle changes she implemented after her diagnosis. Tara's advocacy work, including her role as a patient ambassador for WSG and her social media presence, underscores her commitment to raising awareness about narcolepsy. The episode also delves into the challenges and triumphs of living with a chronic sleep disorder, offering a poignant look at resilience and self-advocacy.

Episode Out Now! 

Link: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/81863df7/s4e2-firefighter-emt-advocate-tara-oconnor-redefines-whats-possible-with-narcolepsy

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this heartfelt episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Gabrielle and Paul share their family’s journey of raising a child with Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS), also known as “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.” Speaking openly about the uncertainty, the emotional toll, and the small victories, they offer listeners an inside look at how KLS impacts their son’s daily life — from sleeping 16–20 hours a day during episodes to rediscovering joy when awake.

The conversation touches on:

• The challenges of finding a diagnosis in rural Maine.
• Navigating school, healthcare, and family life with a rare sleep disorder.
• What support systems truly mean for children and parents.
• Why raising awareness of KLS is critical to changing perceptions.

This episode is not only a story of resilience and advocacy, but also a reminder of the importance of community for families facing rare conditions.

Listen in and be inspired by their courage, honesty, and determination to give their son the best life possible.

Episode Out Now

Link: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/80bdf6b0/s4e1-klein-levin-syndrome-parenting-through-the-challenges 

#KleineLevinSyndrome #KLSAwareness #RareSleepDisorder #NarcolepsyPodcast #ParentingRareDisease #SleepHealthAdvocacy #ChildhoodSleepDisorder #InvisibleIllness #RareDiseasePodcast #KLSParentsPerspective #RareNeurologicalDisorder #IdiopathicHypersomnia #LivingWithKLS #RareDiseaseAwareness #SleepDisordersCommunity

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, hosted by Kerry Bwoga, the founder of Naps for Life, CIC, we sit down with 11-year-old Lucas and his mother Kathy from Toronto, Canada. Lucas shares his experiences living with Type 1 narcolepsy, detailing his daily struggles with sleepiness, cataplexy, and how he manages to stay active. Kathy provides insights into the challenges of navigating the Canadian healthcare system, advocating for better support and understanding for pediatric narcolepsy. The episode also highlights the importance of community support and awareness in managing sleep disorders. Additionally, Kerry announces the launch of their new Patreon and merch store to help support their advocacy efforts.

Highlights:

02:45 Lucas's Narcolepsy Journey

09:06 Sleep Tests and Diagnosis

12:04 Support Systems and Coping Strategies

19:37 Parental Perspective on Narcolepsy

29:01 Challenges with Medical Support

32:15 Iron Deficiency and Its Impact

48:30 Raising Awareness and Seeking Support

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

Leave a review!

Mark your calendar! Join the Narcolepsy Navigators and NapsForLife team on Sunday, September 21st for a live Connection Day to celebrate World Narcolepsy Day with people who really get it. 

We'll be checking in with folks who have appeared in previous Narcolepsy Navigators episodes to see what they've been up to, and hopefully we'll also get to meet and connect with YOU, our valued audience members! 

You'll have a chance to share some of your story and hear the team speak about maintaining good mental health and giving tips on minimizing those pesky nightmares and vivid dreams. 

This is event is free, and when you register on Eventbrite you will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a sticker, mug, or t-shirt from our merch store!

Date: Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Time: 2pm-4pm EST / 7pm-9pm UK time

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/N4LConnectionDay

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***