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In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, 18-year-old Wendy shares what life is really like growing up with narcolepsy type 1 with cataplexy. Diagnosed at just 13 years old, Wendy opens up about sleep attacks in class, cataplexy triggered by laughter, hallucinations vivid enough to call the police, and the emotional toll of being a teenager who never gets to “just be a teenager.”
Through humor, honesty, and incredible resilience, Wendy talks about friendships, family, school accommodations, dating with narcolepsy, and what it means to walk into adulthood with a chronic sleep disorder — completely unmedicated.
Her story will break your heart, make you laugh, and leave you inspired.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Early symptoms and Wendy’s shockingly fast drop into REM (1.5 minutes!)
- Managing 10+ cataplexy episodes a day
- Being a teen with a hidden disability that classmates don’t understand
- The fear and reality of hallucinations
- Microsleeps, automatic behavior & writing dreams in school notes
- Why Wendy chose to stay unmedicated
- Accommodations in school and the struggle to be believed
- Navigating friendship, dating & self-worth
- Her dream of creating films that portray chronic illness accurately
- Advice for teens with narcolepsy who feel alone
New Episode Out Now
Wendy is a passionate teen advocate and the creator of the narcolepsy awareness page @dazedanddozing, where she designs educational infographics and shares her journey. She is beginning her college path in Film Production and hopes to create media that reflects real, misunderstood conditions like narcolepsy.
Follow Wendy:
Instagram: @dazedanddozing
Support the Podcast
Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, Discord access, and exclusive merch.
Visit: napsforlife.com
Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.
Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:
www.napsforlife.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast
***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***
Chapters
1. S4E4: Microsleeps, Hallucinations & Homework: Wendy’s Daily Fight (00:00:00)
2. Navigating Life With Teenage Narcolepsy (00:00:12)
3. Managing Narcolepsy Symptoms in High School (00:18:47)
4. Navigating Social Life With Narcolepsy (00:26:05)
5. Narcolepsy, Relationships, and Mental Health (00:36:15)
6. Embracing Narcolepsy's Unique Challenges (00:46:28)
7. Narcolepsy Navigators Community Support (00:57:10)
41 episodes
