(May 31, 2015 at 11:52 pm)Pyrrho Wrote: Does it impact your ability to drive a car or operate dangerous machinery? Are you in danger of falling asleep while using such things?
Good question. For some narcaleptics, the answer is yes. My cousin even wears a little neck thing that beeps at her if her chin drops down too far. For me, the answer so far has been no. I do not suffer the "sudden" onset of sleep the way some do. I have a warning period, and I can usually push through it if required, but since I know that can be dangerous anyway, if I feel the warning sleepiness, I just don't do those things.
Still, I'll never go looking for a job as a truck driver or crane operator.
Fortunately, I'm on disability right now which allows me to schedule my life around my need to sleep at weird times of the day. For instance, sometimes I do my shopping at 6pm, because I needed a nap before I could safely drive. It can be awkward, but my family is learning to adjust to it.
Back in my 20's, I did drive many times when I shouldn't have in order to get to work on time. I regret that a lot now, looking back. I could have easily fallen asleep at the wheel and killed myself or innocent people.
If I ever do get back to work, I will also get a neck/chin beeping thing, for the safety of everyone around me.
“Eternity is a terrible thought. I mean, where's it going to end?”
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
