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In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet the radiant and resilient Taya Austin, a federal employee, nonprofit leader, and auntie-turned-parent, living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH).

After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told to “just sleep better,” Taya finally received her diagnosis two years ago. From childhood naps and overwhelming exhaustion in college, to hiding her symptoms while earning her master's and serving her community, her story is one of silent suffering turned self-advocacy.

Taya talks candidly about:

• [06:12] How doctors ignored her fatigue for years
• [13:17] The moment she refused to be dismissed again
• [18:03] Learning boundaries and unlearning hustle culture
• [21:02] How IH impacts dating, friendships, and self-worth
• [30:01] Her experience with medication, including Xywav
• [34:19] Why she'd hit the red button to erase IH

💡 Taya’s voice is powerful, full of laughter and light—and rooted in the truth that rest isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.

🎧 Listen now for a deeply relatable episode about learning to slow down, speak up, and take your life back—nap by nap.

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In this raw and deeply moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Meg—a 36-year-old adoptee, student, and mental health advocate navigating life with narcolepsy type 1, CBID, Behçet’s syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Meg shares the emotional rollercoaster that led to her diagnosis after a devastating car crash, including the haunting vivid dreams, overwhelming fatigue, and misunderstood cataplexy that shaped her early adulthood.

From managing multiple chronic conditions to challenging cultural expectations as a Korean-American adoptee raised in a "tiger mom" household, Meg reflects on identity, resilience, and finding connection through vulnerability. Her candid reflections on depression, dating with chronic illness, and the harsh realities of invisible disabilities will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like their body betrayed them.

🔹 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Background
04:00 – The Car Crash That Changed Everything
08:00 – Diagnosis: Relief Meets Devastation
12:00 – Comorbidities: Bipolar, CBID, Behçet’s
21:00 – Sleep Struggles, Advocacy & Academic Life
37:00 – Parenting, Future Plans, and Honest Reflections
53:00 – “Would You Press the Red Button?”

This is a powerful reminder that even when life reroutes us, it doesn’t have to end the journey

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🎙️ Ever dropped mid-conversation and had to explain it wasn’t drugs?

In this deeply personal and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Cristina, the creator of Gourmet Recovery, to explore how she navigates life with Narcolepsy Type 1, cataplexy, and a solid sense of humor.

Cristina opens up about the frustrating path to diagnosis, being dismissed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and how her sleep attacks affected school, work, relationships—and even public spaces. From falling asleep in church to hallucinating on public transport, Cristina shares it all: the scary, the silly, and the soul-shifting.

We also talk:

• [05:44] Misdiagnosis and finding the right doctor
• [08:51] The emotional impact of being finally diagnosed
• [11:05] Medication side effects, sleepwalking, and the helmet joke
• [17:44] Her healing journey through intuitive eating & cooking
• [23:00] How humor helps her reclaim control
• [27:44] Why she wears a bracelet in public
• [34:32] The truth about naps and real-life memory struggles
• [45:48] Would she press the button to remove narcolepsy?

Cristina reminds us that there’s no right way to live with narcolepsy—only your way.

📲 Follow her at @GourmetRecovery on IG & FB.

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What happens when exhaustion is brushed off as “just stress” or “just pregnancy”?

In this moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Emma Cooksey—host, author, and now Sleep Apnea Program Manager at Project Sleep—shares her long, harrowing journey with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). After years of misdiagnosis, Emma’s wake-up call came behind the wheel—when she fell asleep while driving pregnant.

Emma dives into her diagnosis story, the daily challenges of adapting to CPAP therapy, and her mission to reshape how sleep apnea is seen and treated—especially for women, younger adults, and people who don’t fit the “classic” profile.

Now leading the Sleep Apnea Squad, Emma is on a mission to raise awareness with Project Sleep’s bold campaign, “Sleep Apnea: Let’s Face It”—a movement designed to highlight real people living with sleep apnea and crush outdated stereotypes.

Highlights:

[08:52] Falling asleep while driving: Emma’s turning point
[16:20] What CPAP therapy doesn’t tell you
[24:50] “Let’s Face It” and sleep apnea stereotypes
[35:47] The deadly risks of going untreated

Bio:

Emma Cooksey is an award-winning patient advocate. She was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 30, after more than a decade of unexplained health issues. In 2020, Emma launched a weekly podcast, “Sleep Apnea Stories”  to break down stereotypes of sleep apnea while also raising awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

In her current role, as Sleep Apnea Program Manager, Emma runs Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Education and Awareness Program. Through this program, she develops new awareness and educational initiatives, to empower people with sleep apnea to seek diagnosis, support, and care. Emma was born and raised in Scotland, holds a Law degree from Aberdeen University, and now lives in Florida with her husband Jason and their two girls.

Tune in for a conversation that’s educational, emotional—and necessary.

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sh

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In this unmissable Season 3 premiere of Narcolepsy Navigators, we curl up for a heartfelt and hilarious deep dive with comedian and podcaster Sarah Albritton, who opens up about living with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy—plus a rare twist: sexsomnia.

From being misdiagnosed as a teenager in Kentucky to becoming an advocate on stage and behind the mic, Sarah’s journey is one of resilience, radical acceptance, and redefining what thriving looks like. She breaks down everything from navigating sleep paralysis and medication barriers to the emotional weight of invisible illnesses—and how comedy helped her heal.

You’ll hear about her solo show Awake: A Narcoleptic, her podcast Sleeping With Sarah, and why she says, “I wouldn’t push a red button to remove narcolepsy. It made me who I am.”

Episode Highlights:

[02:24] Daily life with narcolepsy and cataplexy
[05:36] Living with sexsomnia and the power of communication
[14:19] Sarah’s diagnosis journey and hidden seizures
[33:51] Creating the solo show and raising awareness
[53:04] Cataplexy at Disneyland and emotional triggers
[57:28] How comedy changed her relationship with narcolepsy

Join us for a raw, hilarious, and powerful episode that normalizes sleep disorders and champions authenticity.

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Follow and support Sarah:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sarahalbritton?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=724d9c5f-787e-4d16-abbd-19cc2b1a7751
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahalbritton/
Website: https://sarahalbritton.com/

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Instagram:

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Summary

️ What if it took a decade to get answers?

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Jacquie, a 25-year-old scientist from Texas, to discuss her journey with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH)—a sleep disorder that took 10 years to diagnose. From struggling through high school exhaustion to navigating university, lab work, and daily life, Jacquie shares how she advocates for herself and others while juggling a demanding scientific career.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The challenges of getting diagnosed with a rare sleep disorder
✔️ What it’s like managing IH in a high-pressure work environment
✔️ The mental toll of constantly feeling exhausted
✔️ Why raising awareness is crucial for funding future research

For Jacquie, science and advocacy go hand in hand. She refuses to let her condition define her future and is using her voice to create change.

Listen now!

Chapters

(00:00) Navigating Life With Sleep Disorders
(12:58) Navigating Life With Invisible Disabilities
(19:41) Accidental Journey Into Science
(22:43) Navigating Career Aspirations With IH
(26:26) Advocating for Research on Sleep Disorders
(31:41) Navigating and Advocating for Invisible Disabilities
(39:45) Navigating Hope in Adversity

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness,

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

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Summary

What does it mean to truly thrive with narcolepsy?

In this powerful episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Dawn Super, a passionate advocate who has lived with Narcolepsy Type 1 for over 40 years. From childhood isolation to self-acceptance, Dawn takes us through the challenges of growing up misunderstood, learning to manage symptoms, and the mental health struggles that come with living with a chronic illness.

Dawn shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, self-love, and why finding community is crucial for people with narcolepsy. She also discusses how positivity isn’t about ignoring reality but embracing it with strength and grace.

Whether you have narcolepsy, struggle with mental health, or are looking for inspiration, Dawn’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Listen now!

________________________________________________

Chapters

(00:10) Narcolepsy and Mental Health
(07:53) Navigating Social Interactions and Self-Acceptance
(22:04) Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance
(33:15) Resilience and Self-Discovery in Narcolepsy

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Follow and support Dawn Super:

Website: https://naturalhealing.coach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healcoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healcoach/ 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DawnSuper 

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Summary

️ What if the world saw narcolepsy for what it truly is?

Meet Tre Burge, an educator, designer, and fierce narcolepsy advocate, as he takes us through his journey of living with Narcolepsy Type 1. Diagnosed at 18, Tre quickly realized the lack of awareness, representation, and resources surrounding sleep disorders—especially in Black and Brown communities.

In this episode, Tre shares how he turned his experience into a mission: from launching Wake Up Entertainment, a creative hub for sleep disorder advocacy, to using social media, fashion, and media storytelling to reshape public perceptions. His passion for authentic representation in film, TV, and online spaces is breaking barriers and sparking conversations worldwide.

Join us for a raw, powerful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the urgent need for accurate narcolepsy awareness.

Listen now!

Chapters

(00:10) Narcolepsy Advocacy Through Personal Journey
(10:51) Creative Representation in Media for Narcolepsy
(24:54) Narcolepsy Advocacy and Representation in Media
(34:01) Building Awareness Through Creativity

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Follow and support Tre Burges:

Website: https://rb.gy/bq70mr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hefallsasleepshop/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hefallsasleep?lang=en 

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE GUYS >>>>>>> www.napsforlife.com 

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/

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In this inspiring episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Jamie Nicole, a certified Holistic Health Coach, Autoimmune Strategist, and unstoppable advocate. Diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2 at 39, Jamie shares her journey of battling years of exhaustion, misdiagnoses, and systemic barriers—all while juggling life as a student, mother, and professional.

Jamie dives deep into her experience with autoimmune diseases, the emotional toll of undiagnosed narcolepsy, and how holistic health practices helped her regain control. From reversing Hashimoto's symptoms to managing narcolepsy through nutrition, movement, and mindset shifts, Jamie’s story is a masterclass in resilience.

Join us as Jamie uncovers the power of self-advocacy, the importance of community support, and why living fully with chronic illness is not just possible—it’s revolutionary.

Chapters

(00:14) Living With Narcolepsy
12:52) Autoimmune Diseases and Narcolepsy Relationships
(22:40) The Struggle With Narcolepsy Diagnosis
(27:59) Narcolepsy and Autoimmune Lifestyle Changes
(41:24) Community Support for Chronic Illness
(46:49) Autoimmune Protocol and Nutrition Strategies
(53:06) Living Optimally With Chronic Illness

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Follow and support Jamie Nicole:

Website: https://naturalhealing.coach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healcoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healcoach/ 

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE GUY

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London’s rush never stops—but for Imaarl Duprey, time did.

At 18, what should have been a typical New Year’s Eve turned into the beginning of a mystery illness that would steal weeks, even months, of her life at a time. Diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, Imaarl found herself trapped in a cycle of disbelief, misdiagnosis, and isolation, waking up to a world that had moved on without her.

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Imaarl shares what it’s like to lose time, battle stigma, and fight to be believed. She dives into the emotional toll on her family, the frustration of an untreatable condition, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life interrupted by sleep. Now a mental health advocate and researcher, she’s turning her story into awareness, challenging misconceptions, and proving that rare disorders deserve recognition.

Listen now for a powerful conversation on resilience, advocacy, and reclaiming time.

Chapters

(00:10) Living With Klein-Levin Syndrome
(10:50) Uncontrollable Sleep Episodes and Diagnosis
(14:41) Navigating Life With KLS Diagnosis
(21:44) Impact of KLS Episodes on Life
(27:53) Living With KLS
(36:51) Navigating Stigma Around KLS
(44:48) Navigating Uncertainty With KLS
(50:29) Navigating Life With KLS Challenges

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