Jobs for People with Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is defined as “a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles.” Symptoms of narcolepsy include:

• Sudden attacks of sleep
• Extreme daytime tiredness
• Sleep paralysis
• Hallucinations
• Changes to REM cycle

Narcolepsy can be very destructive to someone’s daily life and routine. The condition can cause a lot of anxiety and upset as people with the condition feel unable to control their bodies and behaviours. A diagnosis of narcolepsy can stop people with the condition from doing certain things alone, particularly such as driving, swimming, and operating machinery.

The sleep condition can also importantly impact someone’s career and work life. There may be certain jobs that are now unsafe to do due to the condition and this can be very disappointing for some people. However, it is still possible to work a normal work life with narcolepsy.

How Narcolepsy Can Impact Your Job Search

Unfortunately, having a diagnosis of narcolepsy will narrow your job search. Certain job roles will be unsafe or unsuitable based on the condition’s symptoms.

However, you can still find work that is suitable. Particularly if you find a job that will help to provide a safe and accessible working environment. As narcolepsy can be classified as a disability, depending on your severity and frequency of symptoms, you are entitled to disabled-related support at work. Reasonable adjustments will be mandatory from your employee if they are physically possible.

Reasonable adjustments that might be most relevant to you include:

• Time off for doctor’s appointments/treatments
• Modifications to your physical work environment for safety
• Paid transport to and from work, i.e. taxi transportation
• Flexible or hybrid models of work
• Remote work options
• Access to talking therapy

Disclosing your condition to your employer will be the best way to access these elements of support.

How to Find the Best Jobs with Narcolepsy

An important aspect of your job search with narcolepsy will be finding an employer that grants the reasonable adjustments you need and provides you with a safe and achievable job role.

At Careers with Disabilities, you can find such opportunities.

We have a live job board with accessible and inclusive job opportunities from employers of the same mindset. Our resources can help you find somewhere you can be comfortable for a long time to come.

Everyone deserves the best job opportunity for them, and we want to help you find it.