How EDS affects your work and career
Fact-checked by Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with narcolepsy can significantly affect many aspects of your life, including your career.
Despite how challenging narcolepsy can be, there are ways to try to manage its effect on your work life. Identifying the narcolepsy workplace accommodations to request and knowing how to manage EDS during the day can help you navigate your career if you have the condition.
How EDS can affect your ability to work
Working with narcolepsy and EDS can involve different challenges, depending on your job. Examples include:
- difficulty staying alert during long or repetitive tasks
- challenges with early mornings or extended shifts
- issues with maintaining focus
- safety concerns in roles such as driving or operating machinery
The effects of excessive sleepiness vary from person to person, so different people may need different approaches to address it. In many cases, these challenges are linked to attention, executive function, and sleep debt, which refers to reduced mental skills such as planning, memory, and decision-making caused by ongoing sleep disruption.
Workplace adjustments that can help
Managing EDS and your career can be difficult because the condition may leave you feeling perpetually exhausted. However, asking for accommodations can make a big difference in your work life.
Examples of adjustments you can request include:
- flexible work hours, which can allow you to work when you feel best
- scheduled naps for productivity, which can help you manage your energy levels
- remote work, which makes it easier to manage EDS fatigue
- additional breaks and adjusted workloads, which can help conserve energy
- a quiet environment free of distractions, which can support focus
Tips for managing EDS during the workday
Certain strategies can help manage the impact of EDS on your workdays. These include:
- scheduling the most demanding tasks for periods when you are most alert
- taking breaks throughout the day
- going to bed at the same time to support a consistent sleep schedule
- asking your doctor if they have specific recommendations for caffeine consumption or for managing brain fog in the office
- staying hydrated and eating small, balanced meals
Talking about EDS at work
Disclosing narcolepsy to your employer is not an easy task, and it’s completely up to you to decide whether to take this step. If you do so, there are certain strategies to keep in mind:
- Focus on solutions, such as your suggested accommodations and how they help you.
- Emphasize that you are committed to your role and want to continue working.
- Practice the conversation in advance if you can with a friend or a family member.
Be prepared for your company to agree to none, some, or all of your requests. They may also suggest other solutions that may or may not work for you. Negotiate as much as possible while explaining why their recommendations are not sufficient.
If you anticipate that your employer may not be receptive to your requests, consider contacting an attorney before starting a discussion. The legal expert may be able to provide further guidance on navigating the conversation and share information on narcolepsy disability rights, including how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to narcolepsy.
When to reassess your work situation
Although accommodations can be helpful, they may not be enough to support you in your current role. At some point, you may have to reevaluate your current situation and consider alternative paths and approaches.
Signs that it might be time to consider a change include:
- severe fatigue that doesn’t go away despite accommodations
- increased safety concerns
- challenges meeting job expectations
If you experience any of these issues, talk to your doctor about finding new ways to manage your symptoms. It may also be worth considering switching to a different role, working reduced hours, or exploring new career opportunities.
Moving forward with EDS and your career
Maintaining a career while managing EDS takes time, patience, and flexibility. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
EDS may affect your career, but it doesn’t have to define it. By advocating for your rights and customizing your environment, you can navigate the workplace effectively and find meaningful professional success.
Narcolepsy News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
