I am excited to share a resource that I believe can truly enhance understanding of the lived experience of Narcolepsy. This free-to-download PDF is the result of years of personal experience, research, and advocacy. In upcoming videos from my series, Talking Narcolepsy & the Symptoms of Sleep Disorders, I will introduce and discuss this tool in depth.
This resource is primarily designed for individuals living with Narcolepsy, but it also offers valuable insights for doctors and researchers. It sheds light on the interconnected and overlapping ways Narcolepsy symptoms manifest—especially Cataplexy, which profoundly re-shaped my life over 25 years ago.
There are three different versions of the wording, the first is my own wording that I’ve used for years, the second is altered to get it across in a different way (as my own wording seems to sometimes, just not fully get through), and the third is extra simplified; the combination I think helps to offer clarity.
There are two versions of the ‘terms list’ which are quite similar but again, just attempting to offer clarity as well, language really can be tricky.
For years, I lived with severe/complete (collapsing) frequent Cataplexy episodes. While I instinctively tuned into them, I struggled to put my experiences into words beyond describing them as a “dissipation of muscles during pleasant interactions.” This tool emerges from my lifelong journey with Narcolepsy, my relentless search for knowledge, and my dedication to supporting others.
Since first learning the term Cataplexy at 28, I have spent 17+ years deeply immersed in medical literature, engaging with online communities, and advocating through art and other creative methods. Narcolepsy is far more complex than a sleep disorder—it affects every aspect of life, and its core REM dysfunction extends far beyond isolated symptoms.
My goal is twofold: to help others better adapt and navigate life with Narcolepsy through deeper comprehension, and to contribute to the evolving dialogue surrounding terminology and classification within the field of Hypersomnia disorders, which currently remains broad and undefined.
I’m deeply passionate about supporting others through my work as an artist, photographer, advocate, and skateboarder. However, I’ve faced significant challenges—not only in maintaining financial stability through a career but also in navigating interpersonal relationships. If you find value in the resources I share, my advocacy, or my creative work, any support would mean the world to me.
Your support helps me continue helping others.
Ways to support me:
Patreon.com/Narcoplexic (consider becoming a Patron, alternatively there’s art and photography in the Shop)
Youtube.com/@Narcoplexic (subscribe and watch the ‘Talking Narcolepsy & the Symptoms of Sleep Disorders’ video series I’ve been recently creating)
My self published books are on Amazon.
This is for educational purposes only, I am not a medical professional–please seek out a qualified expert for advice.
Created by: Solomon Briggs (Narcoplexic)
April 9th 2024
https://www.patreon.com/posts/narcolepsy-range-126290775 (Downloadable PDF available at that link)
