Always Sleepy...

10 Great Country Songs You've (probably) never heard

2009-06-22T00:11:00.003-06:00

This is more for me than anyone, but it might become a regular thing. Anyway, for my fellow country fans out there...

10 Great Country Songs You've (probably) Never Heard
Volume 1

10. I'm Leaving You for Me - Veronica Leigh

9. She Got the Ring - Chuck Mead

8. Dear JD - Rick Monroe (Listen to the chorus at least)

7. I think we should just be friends - EzraJane

6. Jeep, Jeep - Krista Marie

5. Little Heart wrecker - Dierks Bentley

4. When you're single - Chuck Wicks

3. My kind of country - Randy Houser

2. Rockin the Beer Gut - Trailer Choir

1. Toes - Zac Brown Band

Even mild sleep apnea ups heart risk

2008-10-30T17:37:00.002-06:00

I post the following story for my Father, who suffers from sleep apnea (turns out sleep issues run in the family).

I hope he's paying close attention.

Just click on the title to read the story.

Random Fun

2008-10-26T19:40:00.003-06:00

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THE BEST COMMENT FROM FOXNEWS.COM

2008-10-08T00:01:00.002-06:00

These are simply can't miss!

Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer; Pontius Pilate was a Governor. Anyone who thinks Senator Obama is the Anti-Christ has been listening to a misguided preacher. God is Love, we must come together.

Take a dump in one hand and hope in the other.

I wonder which one will fill up faster?

Thanks Barack!!

Hey Jethro. Please refrain from LOL or third grade name calling
It is over. Go to bed and cry a river in your Little elephant pillow.
Abstinence = palins kid getting a seed implanted
in her by a thug
Night night sleep tight I know I will

All you conservatives and Republicans need to go to bed now, you have to work to take care of your families tomorrow. The rest of you, your mom would appreciate it if you would bring your clothes up from the basement every now and then so that she can wash them for you. Don’t forget to take out the garbage too.

Peace.

Obama got his butt handed to him tonight.

Obama forgot that he voted for that 3.5 million dollar overhead projector. LOL!

Obama stating that the computer was made by “a bunch of defense department scientists” actually it was made by private industry when IBM adopts the 80 column punched card -
If Odummy was talking about the Internet, that was started at a universities not the DOD.

Oidiot states that ‘only a few percent of small business will be affected’ by his tax increase. Omessiah doesn’t know what percent? it’s his fricken plan, he should know… He is the messiah,eh? :)

Wait until O’s stupidity gets out. If the MSM does not drop the ball…

Hey blue house. Chill out. Get yourself some Jack Daniels
and cry a river into your elephant shaped pillow.
You talk about Morals?
Palin’s kid got some thugs seed implanted in her baby hole
Abstinence works!!!!
Don’t even bring up abortion.
This kid will live in an ivory tower.
Night Sleep tight, I know I will

Will this one get posted? my last comment didn’t show up on here. This is a shorter version.

If Obama wins, get ready to flee to the mountains. Have all your “nuts in one basket”, packed up and ready to go. There are many sights on the internet that tell you how to prepare for a disaster, good idea to read them!!

He is a left wing liberal, out to destroy the United States of America!! Better listen up folks, before it’s too late!

God Bless the U.S.A. all all our people.

Please, vote McCain/Palin to avoid the disaster that will follow if you don’t.

McCain won the debate with his straight answers.

if obama is half white, please tell me which fountain he would have had to drink from in 1959 in alabama

Jesus Heals the Lepers

“Then Jesus passed by a Leper colony. He did not approach, but stood at a distance, shouting, “If you weren’t a bunch of filthy homosexuals and intraveinous drug users, you wouldn’t have this disease. Serves you right!” Then He marched away, positively radiant with self-righteousness.” Luke 6:24-26 CCV (Conservative Christian Version)

oh the theories of the communist party, let me put them out. 1. control the media. 2. try to lead in finacial distres. 3. take away the right to think for one self 4. disarm the people by deception 5. limet free speech in a way that the people think it is a good thing, let them vote for it, deceive them that that are actually voteing against it by titles “Fairness Doctrine” 6. ridicule religion 7. after it takes hold, increase the propaganda, use posters everywhere, build the statues. 8. make the people fear the government 9. report your neighbor for being not patriotic.

Do you want to live by this? is that change? Obama seems to think so.

Please all you bigoted republicans. Stop all the crying and whining. Go shave your heads and get a swastica tattooed on your butts. You guys are truly idiots.

There are literally like 4,000 to sort through ....

and I got through half of page one and had to stop, partly because I'm tired and partly because my ridiculousness meter exploded.

Hope you enjoyed. :)

Best comments following the 2nd Debate

2008-10-07T23:42:00.003-06:00

Here are my favorite comments followings Chris Matthews' analysis of the 2nd debate on MSNBC.com:

Obama looked very presidential tonight. In contrast, McCain looks like a tired old man.

After Sen. McCain said that one of his heroes was Ronald Reagan, I quickly decided that I would vote for Sen. Obama on November 4th.

THE WTF Comments are in bold ... and they are def WTF?!?

The reason no one picks up on McCain's lie is that no one really believes it. And I was delighted to see him tap dancing on the third rail of American politics tonight saying that you wont get out of social security what you put in. Yee haw! Hold on tight, McCain is crashing a campaign this time.

McCain did not give one straight answer and he keeps saying "My Friend" but it comes out like a bad word for some reason every time he said it. He says he will fix everything but doesn't give one answer as to how. He says he wants to help everyone but "HOW?" where is the money going to come from? What is he going to do about the deficit? NO ANSWERS FROM HIM...

Obama was the clear winner. Not only did he look presidenital, his demeanor has "I'm ready to be commander in chief," all over it. McCain just reminds me of a bitter old man and he shows it with his erratic temperment. The one comment that will stick out in my mind is referring to Senator Barack Obama as "that one." There is nothing presidential in the thought process that was used to make that statement.

As a republican, I have to say that Sen. Obama won the debate tonight, and has my full support to win the presidency. Sen. McCain showed no respect for Sen. Obama has he refered to him as "that one" and was pacing the stage when Sen. Obama was speaking.

Obama - hands down. McCain was condescending. Even more annoying then his "that one" comment was his overuse of the "my friends" line. McCain is not my friend. I have absolutely nothing in common with someone whose spouse runs up a $750,000 credit card bill - and then can afford to pay it.

Hi, Chris,

I thought that Obama won. McCain's poilitical director, how obnoxious can you be? McCain made that remarks "That one" as a racial remark. It is obvious throughout McCain's campaign, especially with the mud slinging has lead me to believe that the McCain/Palin ticket are racist. The first debate I felt it, but the second debate, put the penny in the slot for me.

His political director is the exact same person who help do him in with President Bush, now I can see why there are negative campaigning going on.

These people are blind, and "out-of-touch" with what American truly needs and wants in a President and Vice-President as far as "character" is concern. Senator Obama has been totally consistent, we needs consistency, not sponataneous and erected behavior and judgment. If Mr McCain would just see what we need as a nation and get with the times. Maybe there could be some substance with what he is trying to convey.

In conclusion, McCain needs to just give up.

Thank you for your times and the considerate.

Did anyone notice that McCain beat it out of there as soon as possible? He didn't shake hands with Barack, he didn't bother to meet and greet people like Michele and Barack both did. Cindy McCain shook a couple of hands and then went to give her husband a hug and they then were gone.

In contrast, the Obamas went out of their way to talk to people, having their pictures taken with people and just listening and talking.

Another disturbing thing, is this new bailout plan of McCain's, even Romney one of his confidants didn't know about it after the debate. More of McCain's grasping as straws, trying to do anything to win.

I also noticed that McCain didn't carry any of the personal attacks into the debate. It makes him look two-faced, attacking behind Barack's back but not saying the same things to his face, where he would have a chance to refute the charges.

McCain looked and talked at times like a little wind up toy, the same things, over and over. And lets not even talk about the "that one". comment.

And to those that think that Barack Obama isn't American, hello his mother was American and he was born in Hawaii. That makes him an American, end of discussion.

For those that insist on making fun of his name, calling him Osama Obama, really don't you have anything better to do.

McCain mentioned Warren Buffett as a potential Treasury Secretary. Interesting, since Buffett is one of Obama's chief economic advisors and has endorsed Obama. Obama also consults with Robert Ruben, Paul Volcker and Larry Summers. McCain actually pointed out one of Obama's greatest strengths: all the great minds of the country are supporting and advising him. McCain's economic advisor? Phil Gramm! The deregulator most responsible for today's financial train wreck

McCain hates two things. Talking about his OWN confusing and very much hated healthcare plan in any detail (did you notice he used the old debater trick of over praising the question poser eating up clock time) and association with the republican president for the last 8 yrs George Bush.

Why disassociate so much from your party choice, the man YOU voted for and the President of 8 yrs? I got to thinking about that. I thought about how Bush got into office 4 yrs ago on the same premise McCain now desperately clings to. 1. I have a steady hand, I have been at the wheel. 2. I have lots of experience and know what i'm doing as opposed to this "new" guy.

It worked out so bad in McCain's eyes, he and Palin wince when GB's name is referenced to the point that the only praise GB has gotten in the debates has been from the democratic nominee's.

I guess running under the guise (as McCain to me seems to be solely doing) that I have been here before and I have a steady hand is not all it's cracked up to be? You need ideas, you need potential, You need the man Buffet spoke to and said "this is the guy", you need someone who has diplomacy, who doesn't wink every other question but has trusted advisors who he fricking listens to.

You need Obama. I've already had a maverick for the last 8 yrs, and look how that turned out? Ask McCain if you don't believe me... assuming he will even acknowledge a guy named George Bush even exists.

I wonder if anyone noticed that McCain walked around and made gestures behind Obama while he was talking. I caught it a couple of time. (He made hand and facial gestures that were very unbecoming.) To refer to Obama as "that" man over there was very disrespectful as well as his never sitting down while Obama spoke. McCain's lies worry me. If he becomes president would he lie to the public each day and do sneaky and underminding things like the Bush administration did? I think he would. McCain is scary!

I was offended a couple of times. When McCain talking to Oliver and first saying he would probably not know about Fannie Mae till recently, was bad enough. Then to tell Oliver that we need to work on plans to keep Allen from losing his home, assuming that Oliver did not own a home. Talk about a oops, or not caring. I could not believe he said "that one" about Obama either.

McCain is clearly more presidential. Obama is clueless of the real issues. Being vague is all he has because that's all he can muster. I am sad we have such a poorly educated population that we cannot separate McCain from Bush. Why not get ready for Obama and Lewinsky? Go McCain!!

Barack Obama definitely won, he did not let me down. He is connected and on target with the issues. All I can say for senior McCain is, DESPERADO, WHY DON'T YOU COME TO YOUR SENSES? The ways of old must go!

Sen. McCain did indeed refuse to shake Sen.Obama's hand following the debate and instead passed Sen. Obama on to Cindy McCain to shake Obama's outstretched hand. Doesn't that say something about character and the willingness to 'cross the aisle'?

The "that one" comment was as intelligent of a decision on Sen. McClain's behalf as his choice in a running mate. God help us if this election is won by this team.

McClain talked about reaching across the isle while makeing some of the most divisive comments I've heard of in any election. I truly want a change and I hope we are intelligent and fed up enough to vote for a true change. The last eight years have cost us a lot to date and if you notice the stock market is still costing us dearly. If you think those fat cats on wall street care anythind about us little guys. Think again. If you think the Republician Ticket wants a change; think again.

Obama not only looked presidential he sounded more like the one I would prefer seeing in the presidential role. We need someone in the oval office who cares about Main Street while keeping an informed intelligent eye on Wall Street.

Obama won the debate, but I have a suggestion for the next debate and maybe for all future debates for all elections, that is that when a question is asked of the candidate and they don't directly answer the question asked, the control should shut off the microphone of whom ever it is who is answering, then have the moderator remind them of the question and inform them that this will continue to happen until each one of them starts answering the questions that have been asked, We, the american people, deserve to hear to the questions asked, we have allowed the politicians the avoid the questions, STOP THAT, if you shut of thier mic's enough times just like rats they will learn the correct behavior, I myself and personally sick and tired of watching all of them just ignore the qeustion and go off on thier talking points, We should demand it of the media and the politicians, when some one in the media or this so called debate commission get some guts and take them to task, the reaction from the candidates would show the real truth, eventually..............

The real laugh are those who watched either debate and have the stupidty to think McCain speoke with any specificity ... McCain couldn't have been more vague. Maybe I missed it, but did he even make an effort to explain away any charges from Obama regarding his policies on tax, health care, etc?

I hope MSNBC shows a clip in the first part of the debate, where Obama was answering a question over on the left side and McCain was wandering around like he was lost or something...

Notice how Obama answered the question on what sacrifices we all might make to help our country? He completely missed the point, mumbling about joining the Peace Corps and such, but making no mention of what we can do to stand up and what we must be prepared to sacrifice. Maybe it is because he has never had to sacrifice a thing in his life, make hard choices that effected many people or generally put himself on the line? No mention of personal responsibility, but only what Washington can do for you. He is clueless. He does not get America because he does not like this country nor identify with its people - its not "fair" and he means to fix it. There are millions of Obama fans who cannot articulate one single thing he has ever done other tha look cool, feel our pain and decide we need him. Please. John Kennedy, the last Senator elected to Potus (but qualified) must be shuddering in his grave.

Why is that Sen. John McCain keeps saying that he knows how to fix everything, but never says what he will do?
Does he think that we should just trust him, isn't that the Bush approach?

Racism in America

2008-10-07T23:29:00.001-06:00

From msnbc.com, this exact link:

From Letters to the Editors @ Fort Worth Star-Telegram -

How racism works--

What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review? What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class? What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said "I do" to? What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards?

What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization? What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard? What if Obama were a member of the "Keating 5"? What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?

This is what racism does: When there is a color difference, it covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another.

- Kelvin LaFond, Fort Worth

Everyone needs a nap buddy!

2008-06-06T18:31:00.001-06:00

via videosift.com

Josh Blue: Comedian with cerebral Palsy

2008-03-17T13:36:00.003-06:00

Some hilarity from a disabled comedian. Enjoy! Click the jump to see the full post with numerous video links!

More Josh Blue video!

My right arm has a job!

Another Narcoleptic Blogger!

2008-03-17T00:38:00.002-06:00

Ladies and gentleman, while I have clearly been absent from the world of blogging, it has come to my attention that another Narcoleptic blogger has entered the fray.

I know her only as Abbey (check out the "Recent Comments" in the right hand sidebar) and she is only a few posts in, but if you get a chance go check out her blog Narcoleptic Dreams!!!

Rock on Abbey!

I always wanted to be a Ghostbuster...

2007-11-14T15:41:00.001-06:00

Basically I had to share this somewhere...

Apparently, in production is a new Wii GHOSTBUSTERS GAME! Based after Ghostbuster I and II (which sucked) and using the original voices from the actors!!!

HOW FREAKIN COOL IS THAT!

Link to Story

Friday Link Fiesta

2007-10-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

Some links from around the world wide web to get you through your Friday.

First, if you are a male with no rhythm, such as myself, or know someone who is a male with no rhythm, such almost all of my friends, I strongly recommend this hilarious 5 minute emergency guide to dancing for men.

Although if you're really just looking for a good chuckle that has little to no educational value be sure to watch Adam Ferrara's bit on his girlfriend moving in and don't forget this video of a parrot rocking out to the Backstreet Boys.

If comedy isn't you're thing, check out this trailer for Sci-Fi's new "dark" version of the Wizard Oz. I'll admit, I'm intrigued!

I'm a firm believer that animals are way smarter than we give them credit for, this article about a dog surviving a house fire is certainly an excellent example of that.

In other news, if you're a Disney fan such as myself I'd check out this sad piece of history. Apparently Mr. Walt Disney stole the idea for Mickey Mouse.

I even fall asleep in my dreams!

2007-10-10T19:12:00.000-06:00

This morning had one of those bizarre experiences that I'm not sure every "normal" sleeper has.

I spent the good portion of the morning dreaming about being asleep. True story.

I woke up around 8:30 to complete my morning ritually of groggily ingesting three pills about an hour or two before I want to get up, so that when I actually get up it doesn't feel like someone is trying to wake me from the dead.

About 20 minutes later I wake up again. Weird. Fall back asleep. Not so weird.

Wake up about 90 minutes later to an alarm, definitely not so weird. Except as I came out of my haze I realized that it felt like I was arising from a coma. Not physically, but mentally.

Then it hits me, I woke up mid-dream. Once again, not weird. I dream pretty much the entire time I'm asleep.

This dream however, was bizarre. I had dreamed something about laying down and falling asleep one night at like 6pm, and not until waking up until 10am ... not the next day, but the day after. In my dream I was so agitated at my Mother for not waking me at some point. I had just slept through an entire day, and no one thought to wake me.

I kept yelling at my family about how I'm narcoleptic, and that yes I do want to sleep, but when it starts hitting the twelve hour mark it's clearly not because I want to and they should wake me because I can't necessarily wake myself.

Then I woke up in real life.

Of course the first thing I did was check my cell phone for the date and day of the week. I half expected it to be Thursday.

It wasn't, obviously, but I still felt pretty weird after my dream.

I mean, I spend all day sleeping as it is, why do I have to be asleep in my dreams too!

The only real question that remains for me is what was I dreaming while I was asleep in my dream. I know that I was dreaming. Totally true. I just can't remember what it was.

Like I said, weird.

Party on Wayne

2007-10-08T23:08:00.000-06:00

My sincere apologies for not really updating since about May. I'm sure many of you are curious as to where I've been the past 6 months. Well rest assured, the rumors about my death have been greatly exaggerated (I've always wanted to use that Twain quote).

So here's a summary of what Ive been doing between being Narcoleptic.

Any questions? Yeah didn't think so. :)

Now I know that many of you are up in arms right about now. BUT JIM, DIDN'T YOUR DOCTOR TELL YOU THAT YOU SHOULDN'T DRINK?

Well here's your answer...

Haha, no worries, I'm not actually a hardcore alcoholic. I have been partying pretty hard though, particularly this summer. Which really does pretty much explain my absence. I've just been having a constant blast.

And soooo in honor of all the good times that have kept me off of the blogosphere if you click the link to expand the post you'll be greeted with a few goodies to make you smile.

It is alive....

2007-06-24T08:57:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to apologize for my unannounced absence! I have officially returned and am ready to pump out some quality narcoleptic material for y'all!

-Jim-

:)

P.S. Pop-Quiz: The post title is a quote from a movie. What movie is it and who said it?

The power of Wii-ing

2007-05-30T22:52:00.000-06:00

What not to say when trying to wake a narcoleptic

2007-05-26T12:44:00.001-06:00

My Mother comes into my room today to wake me up and says, "it's 11:30, time to get up you don't want to sleep all day."

The only coherent thought I remember having is, "like hell I don't."

Maybe my Mom needs a refresher in my disability, as it turns out one of the key symptoms is the overwhelming urge TO SLEEP ALL DAY!

True story. :)

Surviving Narcolepsy Tip #19: Laugh it up fuzzball!

2007-05-25T14:00:00.001-06:00

When dealing with Narcolepsy, or any disability really, but particularly one like Narcolepsy the only way to successfully survive with your sanity at least somewhat intact is to maintain a good sense of humor about your plight. The more you can laugh at yourself and poke fun at the condition, and the more the people closest to you do the same in good fun, the better off your going to be.

Case in point:

Last night while Wii-ing with friends, Bill, who unbeknownst to me is watching the video I posted like three posts ago, asks me in a mocking and sarcastic tone, "So Jim have you ever fallen asleep dancing?!" (watch the video and that joke makes way more sense to you).

I rolled my eyes and said "ALL THE TIME! Doesn't everybody?"

Everyone chuckled. Another friend then asked, while still chuckling, "Hey Jim how often do you fall asleep in your cereal?"

My response: "Cereal?! I can't eat cereal or soup! I'm not even allowed to eat anything that's mostly liquid unless there is a lifeguard on duty!"

More chuckles.

Case in point #2:

I woke up about 11:30am to find a note on my computer telling me to call my Pops. So I dialed Dad at work and he asked, "Did you just wake up?"

"Yeah"

To which he said, "you lazy bum. You'd think you have some sort of disease or something."

Haha, so that was a nice laugh to wake up to.

Trust me life with Narcolepsy or with a narcoleptic is a lot better if you can life with them about it. Which I suppose is true about everything and everyone, but as a Narcoleptic, so much time is spent hiding who you are/what you have, avoiding people or explaining/defending a good sense of humor about it all goes a long way!

Real men Wii standing up

2007-05-25T10:48:00.000-06:00

You probably noticed a lack of posting yesterday ... and I would apologize, except it's because I WAS WiiNG most of the day!!!! OH Wii, HOW I HAVE MISSED THEE!

Thus to celebrate the return of the Wii into my life, here is some Wii related goodness for you all to check out!

Canada (or as I will rename it one day, CANADIA) starts using Wii's in hospitals!
A demonstration of effective Wii laziness
One personal trainer has begun to use the Wii for workouts
The Wii shotgun is the sweetest Wii accessory yet
Although Link's SHIELD AND SWORD accessory are a close second
Third place on the accessory list goes to the Wii boxing gloves
If you are all about modifying things (and I am!) here's a way to pimp out your Wii nunchuck using LED's and consider spending a mere $8 to make your sensor bar wireless!

This is not Narcolepsy

2007-05-23T09:39:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentleman, this is not Narcolepsy. And it starting to irk me way more than it used to.

narcolepsy

What if I were on Dancing with the Stars?

2007-05-22T18:24:00.000-06:00

My Mother is really into this show, Dancing with the Stars. And while I have not been watching, I'll admit that tonight's season finale certainly sucked me in. After they did a segment with one of the star's parents, where the Mom broke down crying about how proud she was of her son, I teased my Mother about how none of us (as in her four boys) should go on the show because Mom would probably have a complete breakdown when interviewed about how proud she was of us.

My Mother then made the retort that would only be the case if one of we could dance.

She then stated seriously that I probably had the competitive drive to get myself through at least a few eliminations. I told her that if I was ever on the show I probably would work very hard to become a dancer so that I could advance (rhythm is not something that my family naturally possesses). I made the comment that of course I'd still have to be able to fit in my nap breaks.

Chuckling my Mother said, they'd have a lot of interviews with my partner whispering where she'd be really close to the camera saying something like, "right now Jim is sleeping ... again. He has a long way to go, but we found that he does better if he gets his nap in"

Of course I pointed out that if I was one of the final three the producers would have a field day with me, and rather than showing some 3 minute about how far I've come like the other dancers, they'd have 3 minutes of all the clips of me napping and what my partner said about it. Which would be hilarious.

I'm pretty sure a Narcoleptic would make for great entertainment on Dancing with the Stars ... I'd just have to remember to medicate before each night's dance routine!!!

The Slouch Couch

2007-05-22T11:05:00.001-06:00

At first I thought that this looked kind of uncomfortable, even for a narcoleptic. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized It looks amazing for napping in!!!! All it needs is like some arm rests on the side in case your narcoleptic head flops to the side. Haha .... nonetheless, it looks much more nappable than I first thought. Any non-narcoleptic thoughts out there?

clipped from blog.thisnext.com

The slouch couch features fibreglass exterior, painted with automotive paint and cotton upholstery on molded foam interior. Call it “beyond sitting.” It can be customized further with DVD/TV, video game console, PC, speakers, custom design and exterior finish, and upholstery upgrades (faux, wool, and leather). I bet it will cost you an arm and a leg

CribCandy

A lesson in picking your nap-time

2007-05-21T16:15:00.001-06:00

Today I learned a very important lesson about when and when not to take a nap.

I was feeling pretty sleepy, but not overwhelming. Nonetheless I knew nap time was coming so I decided to go lay down rather than fight it for the roughly 20 minutes it would take for the urge to become overwhelming.

As I skipped my lou upstairs, I checked my phone and realized that I would be due for medication in around 15 or minutes so. Normally I nap for 20-30 minutes and for a moment ... an ever so brief moment ... I considered waiting to nap until I had time to take my medication.

For reasons beyond my explanation, I chose not to. I also chose not to set an alarm because
A) my real alarm was packed away and setting the phone alarm would take 30 seconds longer than I had an attention span for
B) My body often wakes me after about 30 - 45 minutes during mid-day naps if has grown accustomed to them.

Unfortunately for me I failed to factor in that I had not been on a consistent nap schedule as of late. About an hour and a half later I woke up, extremely groggy. I laid in bed for a while coming in and out of consciousness. Somewhere I realized I was groggy because my medicine had worn off. I had an hour window to re-medicate before it wore off, and I slept right through it.

Absolutely brilliant.

Fortunately I have nothing doing these days, but I certainly came to the realization that it would have been far better to just puts around for 15 minutes and then medicate and nap. The amount of time I spend napping, how often and how refreshed I feel is directly related to how productive I can be throughout a day.

Oh well, ya live and learn (and in my case then ya nap!)

-Jim-

An apology to my rabid fanbase

2007-05-20T23:34:00.000-06:00

My brother Jason gave me a stern lecture today about keeping up with the blog. He told me repeatedly how disappointed he has been this past week in me and that quite simply, my lack of blogging has been unacceptable.

Apparently the excuse of moving is not good enough for him, as he has found that such websites as cnn.com just don't cut it for him.

Well I guess it's good to be loved.

Anyway, I'm back (for real this time) so if you want some awesome blogging adventures keep your eye on this blog as well as Knights of the Round Table!

-Jim-

P.S. And of course my deepest and most sincere apologies to everyone else who feels let down! :(

I told you "I'd be back"

2007-05-17T17:28:00.000-06:00

I'M BACK! Yup, I survived the trip of awesomeness to Vegas! It was amazing!!! I have so many stories and pictures and blog posts about Narcolepsy in Nevada (that's kinda catchy!) So be on the lookout! In the next 24-48 hours I hope to be posting all about it!

Until then, remember that the House always wins!

-Jim-

A Narcoleptic Vacation: Las Vegas Eve

2007-05-14T00:48:00.000-06:00

The good news: Later this very morning three of my bestest college buddies and I are GONNA BE IN LAS VEGAS!!!

HOW AWESOME IS THAT! We are going to be staying at the Excalibur. It's a medieval themed hotel (it was either that or ancient China and apparently being a knight is cheaper than being Mulan these days...). We fly in around 11am Monday morning and stay through like 6pm Wednesday night. It's sort of a last little hurrah for the crew before we split our separate ways.

For the next three days, the plan is to drink and gamble ourselves silly ... I plan on pissing what little future I have left right down the toilet ... because if I'm going to be a bad person, I might as well enjoy it!!!

Okay, so the bad news is I am staying at my buddy's house (we all are) and we are scheduled to leave for the airport at 6:30am. It's currently 2am and I've been trying to fall asleep for about 2 hours now! Thankfully Bill brought his laptop, and he's also an insomniac so I was able to swipe it from him.

I figure if I can't sleep, I might as well blog about it!

My goal for this trip is really to be awake for at least half of it. That may be unrealistic, especially since mass quantities of booze will be involved. But I am hopeful nonetheless!

And yes, I packed my medication! I checked about 18,000 times. Unfortunately that meant I forgot my contact case, but it's way easier to replace that than it is a prescription given monthly for a controlled substance!

Well here's hoping I can get some sleep tonight and that once we hit Vegas I'm not too Narcoleptic to live up to my morally corrupt reputation!

And the Oscar goes to...

2007-05-12T16:40:00.000-06:00

Two posts ago I wrote about and included a new Narcolepsy PSA featuring Kate Walsh from Grey's Anatomy. It wasn't very impressive, so my aspiring film-maker brother, Jason, suggested we make our own. Haha, and then later suggested it would win an Academy Award and stole the first few lines of a pre-written acceptance speech I've practice for years in front of the family. And that got me thinking, I mean, we should certainly have an acceptance speech handy JUST IN CASE. So without further ado, when we win an Oscar for our Narcolepsy PSA's here is what the acceptance will be like:

A crowd of people, including myself, Jason and the rest of the film crew walk onto the stage and shake hands with th award presenters. We then crowd around the podium, where I, holding the Oscar wait for the crowd to sort of silence itself.

I wipe away tears just beginning to form at the bottom of my eye-lids and say:

First off, we'd just like to thank the Academy ... *breathe and face other side of audience* everyone who voted for us. Of course our legions of fans, without you guys we wouldn't be here today. *wait for applause, crack award winning smile*. I know that Jason and I *look back at Jason* would like to thank our parents and brothers for all their support. *Pause to think, look back at group of people crowding me* We can't forget our publicist, Barbara-Sue Joy Allan, she's such a beautiful person, oh and YouTube for creating a place for projects like ours. I know we have so many people to thank, but the bottom line is Narcolepsy is a real condition disabling real people, so go watch the videos if you haven't. Drive safe. Godspeed everybody. *wave to crowd as being hurredly ushered off stage. Be sure to stop before exiting raise the Oscar in one hand triumphantly over head, smile and soak in thunderous applause*

So, what do you guys think? As long as I can stay awake long enough to deliver I think it's money! Lol

To sleepy to go Wii!!!

2007-05-11T18:52:00.000-06:00

You're shocked aren't you. I just announced that I would be filling my extra time with wii-ing and not increasing my blogging, and here I am posting again tonight!

Well as it turns out the Wii is just exhausting! I mean I'm outta shape, but I play in a rec soccer league once a week so I know I'm not that outta shape!

Don't get me wrong, IT'S A BLAST! I just find that I'm feeling that need for a post work-out nap. Normally I get these feelings after pick-up basketball, soccer games or weightlifting.

But whew, now I can add Wii-ing to the list!

Which by the Wii-ing is one of my new favorite verbs. Haha, Okay, well I think I'm gonna sleep real well tonight! But until then, back to the goodness that is Nintendo Wii!!!

Wii Wii! (like the French saying, but not!)

2007-05-11T17:34:00.000-06:00

So this guy I know named Bill ... okay, actually he's not just SOME guy I know. Turns out he's my bestest mate, currently a rooommate as well as a frequent reader of this blog ...

Anyway, so by an act of God (no really, it was pretty divine in how it happened), bought this little video game contraption known as the Nintendo Wii. Now Bill and I play video games on his XBox 360 a couple of times a day (between naps of course), and I've been drooling over the idea of playing a Wii since it came out last November ... needless to say this turn of fate has left us, especially me pretty giddy.

The reason I tell you this is to inform you that, even though school officially ended today and I should have loads of time to blog and stuff, if you don't see more than one post per day ... and if the template doesn't change at all, then rest assured it's because of this new bundle of joy in our humble abode ... the Nintendo Wii. It is surely proof that God does exist!!!

Okay, well I'm off to golf!! IN MY LIVING ROOM!!!

-Jim-

For the record, in Wii Bowling it's currently Me - 1 and Bill - 0

He's gonna get sooo tired of losing to me in this thing! Mwuhahahahaha ....

Kate Walsh's Narcolepsy PSA

2007-05-10T16:43:00.000-06:00

Kate Walsh, a star in the hit show Grey's Anatomy, has teamed with the Narcolepsy Network to start doing some Public Service Announcements.

This video is one such PSA. First, damn she's good-looking.

Second, this was the best they could come up with? I give it an overall grade of a D ...

Study: Kids don't sleep well, parents don't feel well

2007-05-09T19:42:00.001-06:00

Another study that I read and thought, WELL DUH! Why did we waste money on that?! It's not shocking that if kids don't sleep well, it will cause parents more stress and thus health implications arise.

How about someone studies why the hell I can't stay awake and then reports on that! Now that would be a useful study!

clipped from www.healthcentral.com

Kids' sleep problems may affect parents' health

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children's bedtime
problems may not only make parents lose sleep, but could also take
a toll on their physical and emotional well-being, researchers
reported Monday.

In a study of more than 10,000 families with infants or
preschoolers, Australian researchers found that parents who said
their children had sleep problems tended to report poorer physical
health and more emotional distress.

The bottom line for parents is that they shouldn't simply live
with sleep problems that are draining them physically and
emotionally, said study co-author Dr. Harriet Hiscock, of the Royal
Children's Hospital and the University of Melbourne.

"They don't need to 'put up with it' if their child's sleep is a
problem for them," she told Reuters Health.

She suggested parents talk to their pediatrician about
behavioral techniques for helping their children fall asleep and
stay asleep.

How disabled do ya gotta be?

2007-05-08T18:04:00.001-06:00

Wow, how incredibly asinine can a council be?!? THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

clipped from arbroath.blogspot.com

One-armed driver 'not disabled'

One-armed driver Tracie Simpson has been refused a special parking permit — for not being disabled enough.

The call centre worker, 42, was told by her local council she would have to be without both arms to qualify, even though she is registered disabled.

The mum of four, from York, has to struggle long distances across car parks with her shopping.

She slammed York City Council as “pathetic”.

posted by arbroath at 10:10 AM

Future Job Prospects

2007-05-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

Well, as I've alluded to, or maybe even just stated, I currently have no future. True story. :(

Not being a good enough person to be a teacher, and being too sleepy for many conventional jobs are making me really struggle to come up with an answer to the everyone's question: "What now?"

Conveniently I found this great article: 37 Weird Jobs You can actually make a living at!!

Here are my favorites from the list (and by no means are these the jobs I'd want to or could do, lol). Note that everything henceforth is copied directly from the sight and by no means my own work.

1. Odor Tester

This one is pretty odd, but somebody has to make sure that all of those deodorants and anti-perspirants are operating properly to keep their users free of funk

2. Hair Boiler

This lucky soul gets to boil various kinds of animal hair until it curls for later use. We know that burning hair smells terrible, try to imagine catching the aroma of hair boil soup all day, no thanks.

4. Citrus Fruit Dyer

Have you ever passed by the lemons at the supermarket and though to yourself, damn that's some good looking citrus! Well it might be because there are people out there who dye the fruit a more vibrant color to hide the ripeness of the fruit.

6. Fortune Cookie Writer

Yes, we've all wondered who the heck writes those fortunes. Finishing a take-out Chinese meal isn't only full of MSG, but those delightfully witty pieces of advice that people are so quick to heed.

8. Cheese Sprayer

Don't worry; I am not talking about someone spraying chemicals on your cheese. This person is actually in charge of spraying either cheese or butter on popcorn. Yet another job that most people might have guessed was done by a machine, but how else would you get that perfect, hand crafted cheese coating on every kernel?

9. IMAX Screen Cleaner

If you've ever seen an IMAX screen, these things are huge! But someone has to make sure that bad boy is crystal clear so we can travel through the Grand Canyon or explore the human body via a gigantic screen in a circular room.

13. Professional Whistler

Believe it or not this man whistles tunes and does it for a living. Allegedly this gentleman is well versed in several different genres of music.

17. Rodeo Clowns

I know that I've always been fascinated with those Spaniards in Pamplona who risk their lives in the running of the bulls, but rodeo clowns do it for a living. You have to give them some respect though. This profession not only takes guts, but you have to be fairly secure in your masculinity to do this covered in makeup.

18. Cow Hoof Trimmer

Just like horseshoes, cows need some hoof maintenance too. These fine animals can have poor milk production, lameness, and decreased fertility if not properly groomed. Try to imagine giving a cow a pedicure.

19. Chicken Sexer

Going through baby chicks and separating them according to sex. I hear this job is pretty easy, if you just play bad 80's music and set things up like a 5th grade dance, they separate themselves.

20. Ostrich Babysitter

Apparently this guy gets to sit in a field full of ostrich and make sure that they didn't peck each other to death or get stolen. Any job where you can sit down, read a book and do absolutely no work is always a plus, but I have heard that these birds can get a little aggressive.

21. Furniture Tester

Ever been sitting in your favorite chair or sofa and say to yourself, man I wish I could do this for a living. Well some really lucky human being actually tests out furniture for companies like La-Z-Boy. A new definition of the phrase "couch potato"

26. Braille Translator

Someone has to modify all sorts of texts and convert them to Braille for the blind. This can include novels, music, textbooks, and brochures. There is nothing wrong with making things more accessible for the blind and this one sounds like it's a quite useful job, but it does sound tedious.

28. Dog Food Tester

Watch out guys, this gal is going to have some great breath in store for you. Just like any other meals, dog food needs to be inspected too. I suppose they can't use dogs to test the food so this profession requires a taste testing of such a delicious cuisine.

29. Gum Buster

Have you ever sat in a park bench and had the misfortune of placing your hand in old gum? Well that's where these guys come in, removing gum that resides all over the place.

30. Fantasy Broker

If you want your dreams to come true then talk to these folks. Their job is to make sure that if you want something, you get it. Kind of like a concierge of life. If I were in the business of making fantasies come to life, I think I'd charge quite a large amount.

34. Forest Fire Lookout

If you happen to be an extreme hermit who has very little time to do important things, there might be a national park out there that will pay you (a very low wage) to sit in a tower and make sure none of those pesky landscape altering fires occur.

37. Dice Inspector

With one false move of a single die a person can lose quite a bit of money on those craps tables. The dice inspector checks for proportionality, specific angles, and blemishes. I guess if dice are not perfect they can't be the reason for you going broke in the casino.

MySleepCentral.com

2007-05-05T11:47:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of comments left by Emily, I have been introduced to a wonderous new site called Mysleepcentral.com.

I highly recommend you check it out!! Seriously.

Just be sure to come back too! :)

THE MEDICINE FAIRY'S FIRST VISIT!

2007-05-04T19:56:00.000-06:00

No, I swear it's true! Sure Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny were horrid lies ... and the tooth fairy was a straight out sham! But the Medicine Fairy exists ... and I HAVE PROOF!

Wait, what's that? Never heard of the Medicine Fairy? Well neither had I, until yesterday, when a specific turn of events led me realize that only one logical conclusion exists: A medicine fairy must exist!

SERIOUSLY! I'M NOT MAKING THIS S*** UP!!!

Fine, don't believe me, but here's what happened.

So yesterday morning I have this doctor appointment and he writes new prescriptions for my two Narcolepsy meds and and my anti-depressant, which Mom and I drop-off at one of our local Walgreens.

I go back to my apartment to complete homework, go to class from 12-1:30, and then around 3:00pm settle in for a nice afternoon Narcoleptic nap.

When I woke up around 12:30, resting comfortable against my legs on the bed was a single bag from Walgreens, with all three medications inside!!!

No sign of intruder otherwise. I searched my dreams and found no recollection of dreaming about anything remotely related to someone dropping medication off.

There are only two logical conclusions for how the medicine got there:

1) my Mother picked up the medicine, stopped by, found a close bedroom door, quietly opened it, realized I was napping, and diligently avoided all of the crap in my room, finding a way to carefully rest it against my legs as I slept. Then a found a quiet route back out of my room, carefully and silently shut the door and left.

ooooor

2) There is a medicine fairy

if you have seen my room, you'll realize that even your most agile gymnasts or advanced ninjas would struggle to stealthily navigate through my room without blatantly disrupting the mess. And my Mother is anything but agile these days.

Clearly the medicine fairy exists, I just have to figure out how to summon her in the future. I mean, three years of this and not once has this fairy manifested itself, which makes me wonder what was it about this time? Did I just move my way up on the waiting list? Or was it something else?

What brought this medicine fairy to my door, how may I thank it and what do I need to do to get the fairy to return next month?

QUIZ ANSWERS REVEALED!

2007-05-02T17:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, now that all the quizzes have been turned in, let's review the answers.

QUESTION 1)
Jim has to medicate about an hour before he actually wakes up. He sets two or three alarms to accomplish this task. Today he only set one alarm, which was around 8am. Yesterday morning his body woke him randomly around 6:50 am. He groggily took his pills and went back to sleep, thus when yesterday's 8am alarm rang he just shut it off. Today he vaguely remembers being woken around 7am, and he vaguely remembers his alarm going off at 8. He knows that at one of those two times he actually took his medication. Why is it important for Jim to know what time he took his medication?

A) It's not
B) So he knows when to take his next dose of medication
C) So he knows what time to nap today
D) Um, all of the above?

ANSWER: B) So he knows when to take his next dose of medication

Knowing when I take my medication is dreadfully important because I need to know when that dose is going to start wearing off so that I can take the dose of medicine. Without the proper amount of meds in my body, I'm exhausted in worthless or erratic and worthless (I find that even with medicine I am pretty worthless most of the time too).

If there is too much overlap between doses, that's all bad. If there is too much time between doses that's even worse. To try to stay productive, as one dose wears off the next should be kicking in. It's a lot of guess and check, but it's so very important to keep track of.

QUESTION 2)
What time did Jim take his medication?

A) Around a quarter till 7 in the morning
B) When his alarm went off at 8
C) He didn't actually take it, he just thinks he did, even though he really forgot to set it out last night.
D) Um, all of the above?

Answer: B) When his alarm went off at 8

Okay, actually, I'm not even 100% sure on this. I know that i actually did take my pills. I haven't forgotten to set them out in over a year, and I know I actually did wake up at 7. But I remember being too groggy and somehow decided that lifting my head off the pillow was really too much work.

I also remember when my alarm went off thinking I should take my pills, choosing not too, then feeling guilty or something. So I know I took them, and I don't ever remember feeling guilty about not taking my pills, because it's usually automatic that I take them when a certain alarm goes off. Thus the answer is B.

QUESTION 3)
What's the best way for Jim to figure out when he took his medication?

A) Look at what time his alarm was set for and assume that was the time
B) Assume that if he remembers waking up when an alarm didn't go off, that was the time
C) Assume that if he remembers waking up when an alarm didn't go off, it probably means he was dreaming about waking up, and never actually woke up at that time since an alarm didn't wake him
D) Um, all of the above?

Answer: D) All of the above

Okay, okay, so this was sort of a trick question. I just wanted to give some insight on how difficult it can be for me to figure out when I need to medicate, which is about as important as breathing for me sometimes. They are all perfectly accurate answers and on any given day all have been 100% accurate. Most days I can assume that if the pills are missing, and I dont remember waking at a non-alarm time, I took the pills when the alarm went off. However, since I don't normally wake up when the alarm didn't go off, if I remember doing so, it's a fair bet that I took them then.

Then again, I can't count the number of times that I have dreamed I woke up and didn't actually, OOOR woke up, remember waking at a non-alarm time, but couldn't be sure that was just a really vivid dream or a fragmented memory of a different morning.

I hope this assessment was insightful for you all. I'd keep copies of this as these questions may show up on the final exam later this semester!

A NARCOLEPSY POP QUIZ

2007-05-01T13:06:00.000-06:00

That's right boys and girls, it's time for a pop quiz. Please clear everything off of your desk and pull out a pencil. Put up your test folders. Not that any of you would cheat, we just want to prevent wandering eyes.

Remember there should be no talking, even if you finish early.

Brian, that means you. Jason, Lisa and Bill, you too.

Lisa especially you.

QUESTION 1)
Jim has to medicate about an hour before he actually wakes up. He sets two or three alarms to accomplish this task. Today he only set one alarm, which was around 8am. Yesterday morning his body woke him randomly around 6:50 am. He groggily took his pills and went back to sleep, thus when yesterday's 8am alarm rang he just shut it off. Today he vaguely remembers being woken around 7am, and he vaguely remembers his alarm going off at 8. He knows that at one of those two times he actually took his medication. Why is it important for Jim to know what time he took his medication?

A) It's not
B) So he knows when to take his next dose of medication
C) So he knows what time to nap today
D) Um, all of the above?

QUESTION 2)
What time did Jim take his medication?

A) Around a quarter till 7 in the morning
B) When his alarm went off at 8
C) He didn't actually take it, he just thinks he did, even though he really forgot to set it out last night.
D) Um, all of the above?

QUESTION 3)
What's the best way for Jim to figure out when he took his medication?

A) Look at what time his alarm was set for and assume that was the time
B) Assume that if he remembers waking up when an alarm didn't go off, that was the time
C) Assume that if he remembers waking up when an alarm didn't go off, it probably means he was dreaming about waking up, and never actually woke up at that time since an alarm didn't wake him
D) Um, all of the above?

Man sleeps through being stabbed

2007-05-01T09:48:00.001-06:00

There is no way the guy in this story isn't Narcoleptic!!! Only a Narcoleptic can sleep through not just being stabbed, BUT BEING STABBED NINE TIMES!!!!!

NINE! I mean one, sure, that could happen to anyone ... but he was stabbed nine times and doesn't remember a damned thing!

That's just impressive. I'm not sure if even I could do that .... hm, well I probably could, but still!

clipped from acrosstheboard.blogspot.com

Dude stabbed 9 times while sleeping, didn't feel a thing

A 23-year-old man who was stabbed nine times early Saturday morning told police he couldn’t identify his assailants because he slept through the whole thing.

Deputy police chief Tom Williams said Winona Police are investigating the incident which oc-curred at about 1:30 AM, but was not reported until 7:57 a.m.

Williams said the victim told officers he slept through the attack and only became aware of his injuries when his girlfriend saw he was covered in blood and brought them to his attention. He was taken to Community Memorial Hospital and then transferred to LaCrosse for treatment. He remained hospital-ized Monday morning. Article here.
Labels: Offbeat news

Yankees "Catch" Narcolepsy

2007-04-30T22:26:00.001-06:00

Apparently one of my favorite bloggers, on a different blog at mlb.com has decided that the Yankees of late resemble a "Team full of narcoleptics". At first I wanted to be offended, but in the end, I had to crack up ... It's just such a funny disorder!

clipped from yankeeschick.mlblogs.com

New York Yankees baseball: Catch the narcolepsy.

This team is playing in a coma and I honestly don't know what will wake them up. We could fire Torre, fire Cashman, trade A-Rod and make the Yankees play in Shea Stadium all year and I doubt it would make them blink. There's no urgency, no fight, no get-up-and-go. It's like watching a team full of narcoleptics. It would be a hell of a lot more entertaining if mid-game, the whole team just dropped to the field and slept. Bonus points if you can guess the first one down and the first one awake.

Enabling the blind to see

2007-04-30T07:56:00.001-06:00

LiveScience.com - Bionic Eyes Plug Directly into the Brain

Researchers have set their sights on bypassing the normal routes of bionics to hook video cameras deep into the brain, allowing the blind to see.

The goal is to one day provide vision for blind people using twin video cameras worn as a pair of glasses that transmit signals wirelessly to an implant in the brain.

Decades of studies have tried to develop prostheses that restore sight. One approach generates images by electrically stimulating healthy neurons in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the inner eyeball , and thus mimic the effects of inbound light. The other aims to electrically stimulate cells in the cortex, the outer layer of the brain where visual signals are processed.

Both approaches have drawbacks and have achieved limited success.

The retina is a very delicate, fragile membrane that is prone to damage. And the complexity within the cortex makes it more difficult to generate intelligible pictures with the second method.

With retinal stimulation, each neuron that gets stimulated is responsible for a single dot in any image that is seen. In cortical stimulation, "you stimulate one site in the cortex, you get one spot of light, you stimulate another site you get another spot, but if you stimulate both at once you don't necessarily get the sum of the two, but you might get a third spot," explained computational neuroscientist computational neuroscientist Nicholas Hatsopoulos of the University of Chicago in Illinois. "You can't really connect the dots."

Going deeper

So neuroscientists John Pezaris and R. Clay Reid at Harvard Medical School concentrated on a region deep in the brain called the thalamus, which relays sensory data between the cortex and the rest of the body. They focused on a part of the thalamus known as the lateral geniculate nucleus, which relays visual signals.

The researchers examined the eye movements of rhesus monkeys with normal vision in response first to points of light on a computer screen and then to electrical stimulation of the thalamus. During electrical stimulation, the monkeys shifted their gazes to points on the screen corresponding to the location of electrodes in the brain. This suggests the animals treated the electrical stimuli as normal visual images, findings detailed online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The thalamus is easier to stimulate than the retina and much less fragile, the researchers said. At the same time, the targeted neurons should behave more like those in the retina than those in the cortex, making it simpler to generate intelligible images.

"Their approach offers the best of both worlds, the benefits of the other two methods without their drawbacks," said Hatsopoulos, who did not participate in this research

Challenges

Pezaris did note the part of the thalamus they focused on is often thought of as difficult to access surgically, since it is deep in the brain.

However, "implanting an electrode into the deeper parts of the brain has become a routine procedure," Pezaris told LiveScience. "These techniques are used in the clinic to treat things like Parkinson's disease, and are being actively explored for treating major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and other conditions. While any brain surgery has some risk, it seems that neurosurgeons have overcome the hurdles so that it can be performed to acceptable standards of safety."

For these initial experiments, the researchers only used two electrodes, each just 35 microns across or roughly a third the width of a human hair, to generate two spots the monkeys could see. Pezaris said their immediate goal is to use more electrodes to create more complex images.

The lateral geniculate nucleus is a relatively tiny structure that might not tolerate having thousands of electrodes implanted into it for a high-resolution picture, but he noted advances in electronics might lead to even finer wires to surmount this challenge.

Heaven

2007-04-28T01:08:00.001-06:00

I saw this and I had to change my shorts.

Then I saw the price-tag.

At least I know heaven exists. I just always kinda hoped being a good person would get me in, not being a rich one!

clipped from www.uncrate.com

Cocoon Hammock

Hammocks are a mainstay of Summer living, and this might just be the king of hammocks. The Cocoon Hammock ($19,500) features a great-looking terrace base that holds the 113-inch diameter hammock. The frame is made from Taukkyan wood with electropolished stainless steel components, and the hammock and covering are made from Batyline fabric. The hammock can also be adorned with curtains to make it your own private getaway, right in your backyard. [Thanks, Paul]

More Friday Fun

2007-04-27T00:24:00.000-06:00

Some Friday Humor

2007-04-26T20:37:00.001-06:00

From one of my favorite blogs...hope you chuckle!

clipped from peety-passion.com

Fresh
One night, as a couple lies down for bed, the husband gently taps his wife on the shoulder and starts rubbing her arm. The wife turns over and says, “I’m sorry, honey, I’ve got a gynecologist appointment tomorrow and I want to stay fresh.” The husband, rejected, turns over and tries to sleep. A few minutes later, he rolls back over and taps his wife again. This time he whispers in her ear, “Do you have a dentist appointment tomorrow, too?”

What not to do
One day Mom was cleaning Junior’s room and in the closet she found a bondage S&M magazine. This was highly upsetting for her. She hid the magazine until his Father got home and showed it to him. He looked at it and handed it back to her with out a word. So she asked him, “What should we do about this?” Dad looked at her and said, “Well I don’t think you should spank him.”

No, I don't fall asleep in my soup (a response to Rage)

2007-04-23T18:42:00.000-06:00

An individual named Rage recently left the following comment on the post Dear Anonymous:

Okay, I'll bite.. I foun d this blog on purpose, actually. I've been teased as being perpetually sleepy for a long time now, and I just today looked up narcolepsy. I decided that textbook info was not enough, though, so I took it a step further and thought I'd find a blog by someone who deals firsthand with it. So, pray tell; about how often do you fall asleep without any warning at all? As in, you don't even have time to notice you're tired and might fall asleep? Because I fall asleep alot, but not always without warning.. though I am quite talented at falling asleep mid-sentence.

I thought that since Rage seemed to have some particular questions it would be a good idea to address them in a post for all to see.

First, of course welcome to the blog Rage! I hope that you find at least par of it insightful and perhaps helpful.

A. I AM SO EXCITED YOU FOUND THIS BLOG!

When I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy 2 1/2 years ago, I instantly went to the web to find information and I was also looking for something more than the textbook information. I searched and searched for other Narcoleptics on the web, and while I found some nice forums, I couldn't find any really good blogs about living with Narcolepsy. In fact, I only found a handful of blogging Narcoleptics, none whom blogged regularly or blogged about Narcolepsy consistently.

Which is why I created Always Sleepy. To help educate and inform my friends, family and the world ... my hope being that it would give someone somewhere a place to hear about what living with Narcolepsy is like on a day to day basis from a Narcoleptic! AND NOW HERE YOUR ARE! Someone who searched out and found my blog for the exact reason I created it!

B. Answering your question

To answer your questions I have only fallen asleep without warning a handful of times. Actually that's a huge misperception people have about Narcolepsy. Most Narcoleptics aren't just like walking along and then fall asleep mid-step. I am just really exhausted all the time, and I randomly go from not being tired to being uber-exhausted without warning.

Now having said that, before I was diagnosed I once fell asleep without warning on the toilet, but I had just woken up, so I don't really count that. It takes me so long to wake up, that in that wake-up process I often fall asleep without warning ... but really I was never truly awake to begin with.

If I have gotten too little night time sleep or had an amazingly stressful day I have fallen asleep without warning while reading or on my computer, but those are extreme situations. I did actually fall asleep for like micro-seconds at a speech I gave last week too, but to the untrained eye there was no way of knowing that. My friend Bill, however ,said he could tell I was getting really sleepy ... but I dont think even he knew I was asleep for like half a second.

C. Inquiring about Rage

Anyway, I am interested about your talent of falling asleep mid-sentence! This is awesome indeed! Aside from the speech incident, which was the first time ever, I don't know if I have ever just fallen asleep mid-sentence unless I was under the influence of alcohol ,which is a whole 'nother story!

I must say that I can relate about being perpetually sleepy and being harassed for it! I know that for the two years before I was diagnosed my friends teased me a lot about always being tired, always yawning, napping and generally feeling really sleepy. I of course didn't realize it was me showing a symptom until after I got diagnosed. Of course even now I know who my true friends are, because they are the ones who harassed me about being always sleepy then and they are the ones who still harass me about it even though they know I am Narcoleptic! Thanks guys... haha

D. Pray Tell

On a totally separate side-note, I wanted you to know that before I even read your questions I knew you deserved your own post just for your use of the phrase pray tell. I really thought I was the last schmuck on Earth to use it, so rock the hell on!

Anyway, I hope this answered your questions and if you have more, by all means, keep 'em coming!

Responses to Recent Reader Comments

2007-04-22T15:28:00.000-06:00

Dear Adoring Public~

I sincerely apologize for not responding to your comments earlier! My blogging time has been over run by student teaching these last two weeks and my late night blogging has been severely diminished as I have been doing my best to get to bed at a decent hour. Nonetheless, I am here to finally respond to all of your fabulous feedback. Until your next comment, I remain...

Your friendly blogging Narcoleptic,
Jim

I have left responses to the following fabulous people on the following even more fabulous posts...

Brian (Easter Mass: A Narcoleptic's perspective)
Overpriced Designer Man bag (Easter Mass: A Narcoleptic's perspective)

Jason (Why I've been busy)
Overpriced Designer Man bag (Why I've been busy)

Pops (Mask lets you control your dreams)
Lisa (Mask lets you control your dreams)

Jason (Denied)
Jeff Munro (Denied)

Rage (Dear "Anonymous")

Emily (About Me)

2007-04-20T19:11:00.000-06:00

I told you I'd be back...

Yup, I got a whole weekend of just me, the computer and a whole stack of homework to avoid! I'll definitely ge Etct to everyone's comments, throw up some mad posts and get around perhaps to a little site tweakage!

-Jim-

2007-04-18T23:04:00.000-06:00

Despite the fact I spoke Tuesday for about 45 minutes, answered questions about what accommodations I would need in the work force, about how being a student and a teacher are vastly different, about how I had been unfairly documented for being Narcoleptic on two occasions...

The highest University board of appeals deliberated for about an hour and decided that I was still not of the character or disposition to be an elementary educator. I'm like 8 credit hours away from graduation, and now rather than student teaching I will have to take those 8 hours, get an "interdisciplinary degree", which basically means u took a shit load of classes so we're gonna give u a slip of paper and kick ya out.

If I want to pursue teaching it will take a couple more years at another school and money I don't have.

So needless to say it's been a rough 24 hours. Nonetheless, my chin is up (ish) and I promise to return to my regularly scheduled blogging escapades shortly!

2007-04-15T23:24:00.000-06:00

I've been so busy because on Tuesday at 3pm is my big meeting with the university executive committee where they will decide if I am a good enough person to be a teacher. I haven't talked about this whole situation much, but basically my character is being called into question and mostly the issues are based around my Narcolepsy. Anyway, I've been focusing hardcore on my 30 minute speech for the council and I haven't had much time or energy to blog. I'm sorry, I promise after Tuesday I'll pick it back up again. Until then wish me luck!

TGIF!! Anyone with me?

2007-04-12T23:43:00.000-06:00

Haha, I had to leave you some Friday joy! This is one my favorite web hilarities of all-time!

In other news...

WOW! THREE DAYS SINCE A POST! I'm way slackin! I promise to pick it up. Unfortunately I started my student teaching 3 week clinical experience, so I'm gone from like 7:30-3:30ish, and then on Wednesdays and Thursdays I have class from 5-7.

I promise to get some responses to your comments and I am going to work on blog posts this week that I can put up all next week!

That's one of those things about being Narcoleptic, if you don't have time, you better get it done ahead of time. Otherwise it ain't happening. Hence the reason I'm in the mess at school that I am.

But ya live and learn!

Have a happy Friday! I'm off to bed. Woot woot!

-Jim-

Mask lets you control you dreams

2007-04-10T19:03:00.001-06:00

Supposedly this new LED mask helps you control your dreams, but I've always wondered about how safe it actually is to "control" one's dreams even if we can. Sleep and dreams are incredibly complex and we're not even 100% sure what sleep/dreams are for. It seems that sleep is for rest and dreams help sort shit out. It's kind of an automatic clean-up tool. Yet if we begin controlling our dreams, don't we alter how our brain is processing and storing information? Couldn't this potentially f*** a lot up and we wouldn't even know it? Maybe our brain needs us to wander in the dark for the duration of the dream, yet if we alter it so that we pick up a flashlight aren't we tampering with a very complex and delicate process? Not sure how I feel about this product at all...

Anyway, here's the post and link to the product from Gizmodo:

How many times have you had a dream you wish you could've changed? For me, that happens at least twice a month. Enter the Cerebrex dream mask. The idea is pretty simple. The mask has built-in LED that blink at night to remind your sleeping self that you're in fact dreaming. Supposedly, that "awareness" is what lets you control your dream. Will it work, probably not. And with its $200 starting price, I wouldn't recommend you try one either.

How to tell the difference between a regular computer and a narcoleptic computer

2007-04-09T20:59:00.000-06:00

For one of my classes I have spent much of the observing this fifth grade class with these two other ladies (and by ladies I mean college females), and we have developed a pretty good relationship. Anyway, by now they are coming to expect I will be inevitably be a few min late and they have decided to counter this by harassing me about my Narcolepsy as much as possible.

For example we met at the library at 7:30 tonight. I got there a few min late, and I was was walking I called to tell them to just go find a computer and fire it up, and that byt he time I'd get there we'd be all set to just jump in. As I arrive they are still waiting for me in the lobby and I made the comment, what happened to getting a computer?

With as much seriousness as they collectively muster, they said that they were going to, but they didn't know the difference between a Narcoleptic computer and a regular one, so they needed me to pick it out.

Without missing a beat, and completely straight faced I said, "Oh that's easy! Unlike your average computer, the Narcoleptic computer times out after about a minute of activity, and takes about 10 minutes to bring back when you want to use it again..."

After a lot of laughing I then added, "that and it never gets going at the time you want it to..."

True story. :)

EEK and A HALF!

2007-04-08T23:20:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I get to go back to an Elementary classroom for three weeks! I'm so excited and soooo nervous. It's hard for a Narcoleptic to adjust. I mean in 6 hours I have to wake-up, get there on time, explain to someone whom I just met about my disability and all of the related aspects, hope they are understanding and accepting, and then try to function throughout the day without a nap and without seeming like I can't do the job. As a student-teacher in a classroom, your every move is watched like a hawk, and it's a lot of pressure for someone on a disability. I constantly feel more pressure to prove myself than less ... and it shouldn't be that way, but it's the way the system works.

Anyway, I'm so geeked and I'm worried it means I won't go to sleep early enough, which means I won't get enough, which could spell DISASTER come the morning. But I've got my fingers crossed! (If you wanna cross yours too I could probably use the Karma!)

-Jim-

Hardest part about tomorrow may not even be all of that, it'll be that I'm not teaching, I'm just observing and trying to be useful wherever I can. It's like being in class or mass, only worse because I'm under the microscope. Oh gosh, now I've got myself in a tizzy. The funny thing is I have all the confidence in the world I can be and am a damn fine teacher ... it's all this stuff leading up to it that just isn't designed for a Narcoleptic, and that poses a serious issue. I have every faith that I'll "be fine" if I am teaching, but I get so nervous about observing ... and it's not a silly nervous, it's based on experience and knowing what I can and can't do.

Such is life I suppose...such is life.

The Easter Mass: A Narcoleptic's perspective

2007-04-07T23:38:00.001-06:00

I really wonder how many Narcoleptics are really religious out there, or more specifically how many go to weekly service? I know that I have consistently observed religious services, particularly the Catholic mass, are not Narcoleptic Compatible. Particularly services such as the Easter Vigil.

For example tonight's Easter Vigil consists of a 2 1/2 hour service (I wanted to shoot myself, thank God for hangman with the 14 year old brother). The entire first half of that 2 1/2 hour service the church either almost pitch black, or really dimmed lights. Hm, yeah ... not so good for someone always sleepy.

It's also lots of sitting for long periods ... no place to put a cup of water to keep one awake, and it's a lotta yadda yadda ...I mean it's like class only waaaaayy longer, no hope of getting out early and with less options to keep me awake. It's pretty torturous for normal people ... for me, I felt like I was being punished!

Although I did come up with the most brilliant idea which is gonna make us a fortune. This idea came out about the Gospel story about how the three women went to Jesus' tomb and his body wasn't there ... and then he's seen all over town randomly. We create a a game called "Where's Jesus?" (of course inspired by the Where's Waldo books!) ... that's about as far as I've gotten in my brainstorming, but I think we could take this and run!

I also decided that we should retitle that Gospel story to the following: "What Mary Magdalene was really thinking when she found Jesus' empty Tomb - 'HOLY FLYING MONKEY POOP! JESUS ESCAPED!' "

Ya think the Vatican will be up for that minor change?

One of a Narcoleptic's toughest choices

2007-04-05T08:07:00.000-06:00

I wake up this morning ... and by wake-up I of course mean I hear my first alarm at 7:00am, hit snooze every five minutes until 7:25 and then I slowly arise with such dread and difficulty you might think I was getting up to go be executed that day ...

As I stumble to the bathroom, which as we just noted is my version of "waking up", I know that I need to get ready and get out the door by a quarter till 8. Trying to squeeze 30 minutes of getting ready activities into about 15 minutes is no small task and inevitably this flight of a bumblebee will result in a lot of swearing and me being a few minutes late.

While putting my contacts I really start to come to; oh how I love the fresh sting of contact solution in the morning! My eyeballs readjust to the familiar feeling of sight, and as the fog of Narcolepsy lifts I begin cursing myself. It's not the first time I've gone through process this week. It seems that every morning I need to get up by a certain time I inevitably don't, and as I come to this realization I kick myself for not getting up earlier. Today, I know that I won't be back in the room until 2pm so I need time to make sure I have everything for the day and that I get a solid breakfast.

Looking in the mirror however, I realize that miraculously, this morning is one of the few mornings the bed-head monster didn't visit. Granted my shaggy mane is a little flat and matted down ... it's not exactly Pantene Pro V commercial worthy hair, but with a little combing I know that I could get by without showering.

I weigh my options: Do I shower, and have gorgeous hair, or do I eat breakfast? I won't be picking any hot babes up with the hair, but I'd have a full stomach and be prepared for the day.

The decision takes me about .02 seconds. I return to my room, hunt for my trusty blue comb and begin attacking my scalp. As I eat two bowls of Apple Jacks ten minutes later, I know that I totally made the right decision.

Thank God for Deodorant and the wonders a little water and a comb can do to one's hair (okay not much, but my stomach doesn't give a rat's behind about my dome).

And that ladies and gentleman meant that I arrived on time and ready to go this morning.

Epilogue:
This occurrence is so rare I think the Mayor is considering canceling all city activities to throw me a town parade this afternoon. I'd be watching Wolf Blitzer on CNN too... A story like this could get really huge really fast! Just don't believe the rumors about my drug abuse and affairs with Marilyn Monroe on Nancy Grace later tonight. I did not have sexual relations with that woman!

It's not like I want to be a poor student...

2007-04-05T00:57:00.001-06:00

I tried so hard to be a good student tonight!

I got up and went to class (I was an hour late, but hey, sometimes that's just the way Narcolepsy is ... okay most of the time, but anyway)

Came home at 7:45 and immediately started homework.

Pushed through that until 10 or so. I didn't get much accomplished, but it wasn't because of lack of effort.

Started the bed process at 10:30 rather than midnight ... I was actually in bed around 12:05, watched a little TV and then lights out at 12:30. HOW AMAZING IS THAT.

I just felt exhausted, and I knew that the morning is gonna suck! I am observing 8-11:15am, class from noon-2, homework till 5 and then class from 5-7:00.

I was feeling really proud of myself.

But it was to no avail. About 1am I turned the lights on. I had only been laying there for half an hour, but when you know it's not gonna happen ... there isn't any point fighting it. So I got up, been dickin' around the machine and now it's 2:00am and I'm going back to bed.

So much for being a good student.

So much for getting a good night's sleep.

So much for potentially feeling mildly awake and productive tomorrow.

Irk. The morning is gonna suck ... anyone know how to freeze time?

Not sleeping makes you less of a man

2007-04-04T21:16:00.001-06:00

Who knew that my skinny ass would be considered more manly the grunting, thick-skulled, 250 pounds of solid muscle, eat raw meat and slap around women kind of guys...

No, I may not have their penchant for belching and I actually realize women are worth more than just making babies and cooking dinner, but apparently less sleep is tied to declining testosterone levels among older men.

So when I'm in the nursing home, not only will my testicles be bigger (comes with not taking steroids), but I'll actually have more of that ever important hormone for defining one's masculinity, TESTOSTERONE!

Whoda thunk it! I'm the one who will openly give away my "man cards" and yet I'll be more testosterone driven than many (you know since I sleep all time.).

Apparently a drop in testosterone leads to a lack of energy (too late) or libido. And here, I always just thought it was the sight of old lady boobies that made old men's libido drop!

Your morning kick in the groin

2007-04-04T13:36:00.000-06:00

Waaaaaay back in December I posted about a gum that supposedly keeps you awake. Except the gum package was partially in Japanese and I found noooo reviews on it! Well ladies and gentleman, now a company is producing a Mint to give you that kick in the pants you need to get up in the morning!

Written in English and called FOOSH Energy Mints, these little suckers are apparently loaded with caffeine and will give you that jump start you need (assuming you're NOT a Narcoleptic already taking a drug to do that) ...

The post I found them on even tested them out and came back with rave reviews!

So NO! You may not have some of my controlled substance which is a felony to distribute, BUT don't act like I haven't been giving you other options!

Chair Made from Bound Rags

2007-04-03T13:18:00.000-06:00

Okay fellow nappers, here's a very bizarre product that you may take a gander at ... if you have $3,325 laying around! I for sure do not.

It's a chair made entirely of rags! I found it via Boing-Boing and It seems like such an innovative concept ... not too mention comfortable, especially in comparison to the bathtub-couch featured earlier this week.

After much debate I gave it two Z's on the Narcoleptic Nappability Scale.

On the positive side, it looks amazingly comfortable. I have a feeling I could be out on that thing in a heartbeat and I am all about innovation, especially when it comes to napping!

Unfortunately, it looks pretty bulky, awkward. I feel like it wouldn't be very stable to sit on and it would too be easy to fall of or push backward ... a major problem when napping! Another strike is the lack of armrests and I could overlook all that if it wasn't for the insane price tag that came attached. All-in-all it's better than the tub-couch, but not by a substantial margin.

Actually, I think this would be a phenomenal line of products as I'm pretty sure it would be amazing to nap on this bundle of rags creation if if were a recliner, love-seat, couch or long chair (like a pool chair).

Bottom-Line: It's nappability is certainly greater than the tub couch, and it's too ingenius to only give one Z. However, you can do better...Having said that if anyone gets one, I want a test-run!

Narcolepsy or Leprosy?

2007-04-02T12:31:00.000-06:00

Here's a very random comic I found: It's pretty funny ... except the end. I don't really get the arm being pulled off thing. I dunno ... at least Narcolepsy got kind of mentioned I guess! It's a start people!

Take a nap in the tub!

2007-03-31T14:31:00.000-06:00

Love splishin' and splashin' in the tub? Ever wished you could just stay there all day long without getting those nasty wrinkles all over your fingers?!

Well now you can (sort of) ... with this amazing BATHTUB SOFA! (found via Neatorama)

Now as a Narcoleptic, any place that has cushion is good for napping. And it appears there is plenty of cushion. However, it is clearly not long enough to really stretch out on, and unless one slouches down significantly you can't really rest your head back, unless you really enjoy sever neck pain. And I for one do not. Although I can't knock it completely, because apparently the pillows do come included!The bottom line is, while this product is definitely a neat concept and would be great for decor, if you're always sleepy and looking for a place to nap, this tub-sofa hybrid is not an ideal option, which is why it garnered a mere one out of five Z's on the Narcoleptic Z's Product Review Scale.

Join my hand and together we can rule the galaxy as Father and son...

2007-03-31T11:58:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentleman, in case you missed it, I'd like to point out that yesterday we had a very very special visitor to our blog. This VIP left a comment attached to "Dear Anonymous", which is the only way I even knew they were here...*imagine Robin William's Genie from Aladdin voice* Proudly introducing ... the often imitated, but NEVER DUPLICATED...JIM'S DAD!

That's right, my very own Father took the time to surf around the blog and even leave a comment. Perhaps this means one day he'd consider writing a blog post about what it's like being the Father of a Narcoleptic.

Here is the comment that he left. (Apparently I write one post about Narcolepsy and sex, and suddenly I'm a SEX MANIAC! ... which makes me immediately want to bust out into that song, "I'm A MANIAC! MANIAC!")


Anonymous said...: Nice blog and site.....Also, you were right about firefox. Its cool.
Yours truly,
Pops
Father of a Narcoleptic Sex Maniac

March 30, 2007 9:29:00 PM CST

A clock to aid the wake-up process...

2007-03-30T20:51:00.000-06:00

Day Clock: For the Approximate Time

I FOUND IT! Finally a clock to help me reorient myself as I wake up out of the Narcoleptic haze. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up and started the day or afternoon only to realize I have no idea what day it is.

Snicker all you want, but this clock would be amazing not only to help remember what day it is, but also to reorient myself to the world. As I come out of the haze if I looked at the clock to realize what day it is, perhaps my concious thought process would be engaged, bringing me out of the early morning Narcoleptic haze ... at least a little more so than without it.

Okay, really I just hate realizing I don't know what day it is, and then I have to go look it up. I'm telling ya, when I say waking up out of a haze I mean thick dense fog of which you can't fathom!

Oh quit laughing and buy me the clock already!

Dear Anonymous...

2007-03-29T01:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Anonymous~
I am not the only person who is intrigued by your true identity. Many people that I know read this blog are just as curious as I am as to who you really are and what your true motives might be. The Always Sleepy blogosphere is buzzing with rumors and ideas, and so on behalf of my readers (as well as myself) I am going to officially ask publicly, Who are you and how did you stumble across this blog?

I fully realize in my last post that I stated I would respect your right to a veiled identity, and no doubt if you wish to remain anonymous I will not bug you anymore about it. However, as curious as you were about Narcoleptic sex, the other readers and myself are equally curious as to who asked such a question.

The choice to publicly reveal yourself is yours, and yours alone. I do not wish to pressure you on the subject. However, if there is anything I can do to convince you, or if you would at least humor us with a few clues, I would be most delighted. Until then I shall remain, as always ...

Your friendly neighborhood Narcoleptic,
-Jim-

An exclusive look into the secret sex lives of Narcoleptics

2007-03-28T03:56:00.000-06:00

The following post deals with adult situations and is not suitable for small pets. The government does not want you to know it exists and many Bothans died to bring you this information. In conjunction with the FAA, NATO and the United Nations and in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, the following parties are STRONGLY WARNED AGAINST READING ANY FURTHER without first discussing it with your doctor, loved ones and favorite Catholic Saint.

Parents of the author
Parents of friends' of the author
THE AUTHOR'S SIBLINGS
Siblings of the author's friends
Ex-girlfriends
Future girlfriends
Anyone under the age of 14
Clowns
Any friend who has no desire to fantasize about the author regularly
The Pope
Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, Casmir Pulaski and the Tooth Fairy

Be aware that side effects can be long-lasting, and many patients have suffered from paranoid delusional behavior, intense hallucinations and are either institutionalized or seeing a team of psychiatrists. If your confused about your sexuality, pregnant or taking antihistamines this post is not for you. Only your doctor or webMD can know if this post is for you. If you wish to read this blog entry click "Read full post". You will not be directed to a new site, rather the post will merely expand within the same window and without reloading your window.

(Note: I'm serious you can read up to and through part two, but if you don't want to hear about the author's personal sexual experiences ... I'm talking to you FAMILY than I certainly wouldn't read part III no matter how curious you might be...)

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I. THE QUESTION
Recently Anonymous left a question on the blog asking,Does narcolepsy affect your sex life?"

First and foremost, thank you for asking a question, especially such an atypical one! I hope that you and anyone else reading this blog continues to ask questions on a regular basis. I must also congratulate you on being the first person to ever, in any way (not even jokes!) to ask me about Narcolepsy's affect on my "intimate affairs". Feel free to ask any more probing questions, and if you'd like (this goes for anyone) I'll definitely chat privately with anyone. I'd also like to say that your identity intrigues me, however, I shall respect you're secret identity as I'm sure you have your reasons.

Okay, onto to the question at hand, does narcolepsy affect your sex life? I suppose I shall have to answer this question both personally and generally since I'm not sure if the "your sex life" is referring to me personally or you as in any person.

II. Generally Speaking
Generally speaking, Narcolepsy can certainly have an effect on one's sex life.

"Narcolepsy can affect intimate relationships. Extreme sleepiness may cause low sex drive or impotence, and people with narcolepsy may even fall asleep while making love. The problems caused by sexual dysfunction may be further complicated by emotional difficulties. Intense feelings, such as anger or joy, can trigger some signs of narcolepsy, causing affected people to withdraw from emotional interactions." [CNN Health]

On a Narcolepsy forum in April 2005 the following was posted:

A lot of the medication that narcoleptics take affect sexual drive and performance. Anti-depressants are especially notorious. It's time to get back to your doc's find out if you're on any. Are you cataplatic? That is also known to mess up things. By the way, the sex thereapists that are certified by the urology and gyn(for the ladies) boards are pretty good. [source]

A fellow Narcoleptic could clearly relate:

Thank you for your advice. I am cataplectic and i do take anti- depressants. I do have a tendency to get tired when im about to make love. My legs especially get very shakey, so this may be my cataplexy.

Another Narcoleptic had this to say (note that C refers to Cataplexy):

I've never had a C attack during sex (although I've fallen asleep many, many times), but is there any possibility that it could just be the Provigil? That was one of the side effects for me.

Sex-drive is one of the biggest issues apparently, as this poster writes (PWN is short for PEOPLE WITH NARCOLEPSY):

I think we (PWN) all know the feeling of wanting sleep more than sex and if you can find the right med. it can really help!

The following website had this to add:

The symptoms of (and some of the drugs taken for) narcolepsy may affect your sex life. Sexual problems, such as low sex drive and impotency, may result from severe sleepiness, depression, medications or cataplectic attacks. These problems, especially any resulting from a new medication or changed dosage, should be discussed with your doctor.

In sum, Narcolepsy can affect your sex life directly and indirectly. One may actually suffer a sleep attack or be affected by Cataplexy before or during sexual relations. However, low sex drive and impotency due to Narcoleptic symptoms, medication or depression cause by Narcolepsy can also have devastating effects on one's sex life.

WARNING: This final part includes SLIGHTLY MORE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL. More importantly, it includes PERSONAL EXPERIENCES & INSIGHTS OF THE AUTHOR. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

III. The Juicy Part: My Sex life
And now the moment you've all been on the edge of your collective seat waiting for ... the part of the program where I describe the specific ways that Narcolepsy has affected my personal sex life.

Well at the moment, my response would be: I don't have a sex life for it to be affecting. End of story, next question... (note: I am currently taking any applications for anyone interested in reviving that ... haha)

However, I know that leaving it at that would hardly be fair to my adoring public who has so anxiously awaited this day, so I suppose I will answer the question more fully, but only because Anonymous left me TWO comments asking about it.

In many ways Narcolepsy has had little impact on my past sex life. I don't suffer from Cataplexy so that isn't an issue, and being a strapping young lad with hormones running rampant, even if my medication or anti-depressant decreased my sex drive I doubt it would be too overly troublesome for my sexually-charged body. In many ways, my sex life may be the only facet of my existence mildly untouched by Narcolepsy ... although I would expect that to change in the next 5-10 years.

This of course is not the whole story. Narcolepsy hasn't had a major affect on my sex life, however, as I often remind myself I am not Narcoleptic part of the day ... or 80% of the day ... or just when I'm awake ... I'm Narcoleptic ALL THE TIME. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 1/4 days a year ... so yes, Narcolepsy has not caused any huge complications, but it has affected my sex life in some ways worth mentioning.

For example, clearly just about everything in the world causes me to feel sleepy. Heck, I feel sleepy after sleeping for crying out loud! It's also no secret that after a good romp under the covers men have this strange ability/desire to immediately fall asleep. One might say that most males suffer from sex-induced Narcolepsy (a temporary state that is only irritating to the partner still awake). Now combine that fact with the first sentence and you can see how after any type of sexual activity, including making out, I could easily be out like a light before our bodies had even physically separated. One of my biggest fears for a long was actually falling asleep while TAB A was still inserted into SLOT B (if you catch my drift). Naturally this did cause some anxiety that many people don't have.

Another example is that clearly I have serious issues arising in the morning. I don't think anyone can really understand what I mean unless you are Narcoleptic or have lived with one. At any rate, many females, for one reason or another, including my ex-girlfriend (thankfully that's slowly becoming less weird to say), are most randy when they first wake up. Hmmm, most mornings waking up is a long and hard process, that usually includes multiple alarms at various time intervals.

So when I'm most groggy and out of it, is when my ex-g/f was in the mood ... Needless to say, that caused an issue. I will admit that she was the best alarm I ever had. For some reason a little foreplay has a tendency to speed up the morning process of waking up. Although it actually probably slowed down the process of getting up, as I would certainly need a post-"fun session" nap. :)

To play off that, I have such trouble sleeping at night, and often times the only time of day I ever really feel awake is like 11pm to 2am. Unfortunately, this time of night my ex-girlfriend would suffer from Narcoleptic-like symptoms and thonk out like a log without warning, and for the night. So she wakes up and is roaring to go, and I'm in a morning Haze. I finally start feeling awake and ready to go, at the moment she goes out like a light. Not exactly the definition of convenient.

Not to mention that if I did manage to keep her awake long enough to partake in any necking, I may fall asleep afterward, but that sleep would not last all night in some situations. More than once, although not all of the time I woke up to the realization that I was stark naked, or in a pair of shorts, with her the same sprawled across me. The insomnia would naturally cause me to stare at the ceiling for a long time, wide-awake, cursing the situation that I had gotten myself into. This didn't happen all too regularly as usually some pre-bed time fun ensured that I could not only fall right to sleep, but that I'd be out all night. It was for this latter reason that I often took my chances in engaging her in some intimacy before bed (or tried my hardest anyway, haha).

I suppose I should really ask my ex-girlfriend to weigh in on this topic. I mean we did date for the last three years (until December), and she has been with me since before the Narcolepsy was diagnosed (I've always secretly blamed her for causing it). I highly doubt that she will feel comfortable enough to share any thoughts, but I'll see what I can get out of her. (Note: I'm holding back all of my comments about her being worthless, haha).

I am sure there are other examples, but this blog post is certainly long enough, and I know that most of it wasn't terribly interesting to any of you. In fact this post is probably a big let down. I mean, you probably thought I'd have great stories similar to falling asleep on the toilet or brushing my teeth, but the truth is, I'm still young enough that my body is primed and ready for anything remotely related to sex 24/7, Narcolepsy or not. I haven't fallen asleep naked, covered in oil on top of some wildly moaning female companion ... nor have I been just about to get lucky, only to suffer a nasty cataplectic attack scaring off some beautiful girl trying to take my belt off. Just hasn't happened. But believe me if it ever does ... I'll be sure you all are the first to know!

Until then I remain, your friendly blogging Narcoleptic! :)

-Jim-

Finally, a reason to enjoy spending time in the library!

2007-03-27T15:28:00.000-06:00

Falling asleep on your books, is nothing new, especially for college students. It is certainly not an experience limited only to Narcoleptics, although I can pretty much guarantee that if your Narcoleptic it is likely you know that the worst part about falling asleep on your books is trying to unstick your face from your cheek when you wake up.

Finally, however, one product has been introduced to relieve all of your concerns. It looks like a book ... walks like a book ... quacks like a book ... even smells like a book ... BUT IT'S NOT A BOOK! IT'S A PILLOW! And I'm pretty sure it is a must have for any Narcoleptic! Unfortunately it comes with a hundred dollar price tag ... but hey, you pay $200 + for most of your other books ... might as well!

I definitely want one!

Source Article

My Mommy would be so proud of me!

2007-03-27T06:43:00.000-06:00

I thought I was slated to observe today, so I went to bed at a decent hour. Okay, it was like 1am, but really in comparison that's a vast improvement!

I woke up at a decent hour 7:20ish ... got dressed and was virtually ready to go at 7:30. Which means I had the time to eat breakfast and be out the door by 7:40! Observation starts at 8am, so I had PLENTY of time to get there, which is rare, since normally I walk in a few minutes late. I don't think I've been on time once (shockingly I normally oversleep, haha).

Then it hit me, wait isn't the school I'm observing at on spring break this week?! So I hopped on line (God Bless the web), looked it up and sure enough ... even though this was the first morning of observing I was up and ready to go early, about to eat breakfast and make it early ... I of course am not slated to observe. While this may seem like good news to many ... I was slightly irked. I don't have many mornings where this occurs, so when they do ... well, I don't want to just go back to bed! But I am soooooo sleepy ...

So maybe some breakfast and and then back to bed for an hour.

-Jim-

p.s. the picture is of me and my proud Mama last October. She got a new cell phone for her birthday, and she was thrilled!

My friend thought he had Narcolepsy ... SURVEY SAYS ...

2007-03-26T01:55:00.000-06:00

A while back I typed about any people I know with Narcolepsy ... or I guess the people who know people, who are friends with someone's pet dog who was owned by anyone ever having heard of Narcolepsy.

At any rate, an old coworker and friend of mine was very concerned a few months ago that he had developed Narcolepsy. He told me his symptoms and I'll admit that I told him to brace for the worst, cause it sounded like he did.

He had to wait about a month for Spring Break and went to see a doctor. The doctor had him adhere to some strict sleep schedule and apparently ever since then his symptoms have gotten exponentially better. WOOT!

So my friend is now not going to have a sleep study and hopefully his life and health continue to improve ...

It seems I am on the island of Narcolepsy alone again here in Normal, Il ...

*Sigh*

Haha, Congratulations buddy, YOU'RE NOT NARCOLEPTIC!

*grumble, grumble* Lucky bastard... *grumble, grumble*

2007-03-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

So I normally love this TV show called House and currently USA is running this House marathon! Woot. Although they certainly aren't picking the most amazing episodes.

Case in point is this episode being shown at the moment. It's really kinda stupid 20 minutes in.

The TV GUIDE premise is the following: A 31-year-old woman sleeps 18 hours a day, when she's awake she's irritable. It isn't depression, but it will be fatal if House doesn't figure out what it is.

I read that and was like, A) Clearly she's NARCOLEPTIC! I mean I slept 18 hours a day ... and was irritable as hell ... I still am when u try to wake me! And how can u just rule out depression like it's something u take a blood test for.

Anyway, in like a week she saw like 5 doctors, no one could figure it out so she got referred to House.

Not one of the doctors on the show suggested she might have any type of sleep doctor. Automatically it was either like a tumor or some rare allergy or disease. She even just had a really creepy hallucination. LIKE REALLY SCARY!

Now I'm sure by the end of the episode she'll have ended up having some completely random disease they fix, but in the process of figuring things out all the signs point to ... NARCOLEPSY!

I feel fortunate I didn't go see House when I had problems. He probably would have killed me! At least I woulda been on TV though...

Haha...Okay back to the episode.

What your sleeping position says about you

2007-03-25T18:29:00.000-06:00

I found this article online entitled: "What does your sleeping position say about you?"

It's mildly fascinating. I'd probably find it more interesting, except I can't say that I predominantly have one sleeping position! I can fall asleep just about anyway I'd like, and I fall asleep in just about all positions depending on what day it is. I do remember when I had a predominant sleeping position, and I know that certain positions now are more comfortable than others, which is why I still find this article somewhat intriguing.

Scientists believe the position in which a person goes to sleep provides an important clue about the kind of person they are.

Here's the picture of the different positions:

Click the read more link to expand the post and view a description of what each position says about you...

Foetus - Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

Log - Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

Yearner - People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

Soldier - Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

Freefall - Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.

Starfish - Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.

The remainder of those in the poll said the position they fell asleep varied or did not know.

Professor Idzikowski also examined the effect of various sleeping positions on health. He concluded that the freefall position was good for digestion, while the starfish and soldier positions were more likely to lead to snoring and a bad night's sleep.

Professor Idzikowski said "Lying down flat means that stomach contents can more readily be worked back up into the mouth, while those who lie on their back may end up snoring and breathing less well during the night. "Both these postures may not necessarily awaken the sleeper but could cause a less refreshing night's sleep."

The research also found that most people are unlikely to change their sleeping position. Just 5% said they sleep in a different position every night.

Stress Reduction Sleep

2007-03-23T13:51:00.000-06:00

If my previous ten suggestion's don't help, or if you're too lazy to try them, here is a true cure-all stress reducer! It's always made me feel better ... :)

10 stress busters to help you sleep better at night

2007-03-23T10:44:00.000-06:00

In an effort to combat my insomnia I am facing the fact I have to not necessarily eliminate, but rather cope with the stress of being Narcoleptic. I understand that many of you non-narcoleptics also have trouble sleeping at night because of stress, so here are 10 stress-busters that I hope help!

1. Stop, Sit, and Think
Basically, in the words of Jedi Master Mace Windu, "Be mindful of your feelings. "

2. Answer Back

People who cause you to feel stressed or who irritate you are likely to continue to do so until you confront them. Don't just suffer in silence. Develop the ability to deflect with humour if you feel uncomfortable about being direct.

3. Reward yourself!

4. Think in Concentrated bursts
Obi-Wan: But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future.
Qui-Gon Jinn: But not at the expense of the moment.

5. Keep it Simple

Use the 'Home Four' tips to simplify and de-stress your life:
• Carry out one job at a time, however small.
• Each day, finish one task - this puts you back in
control.
• Keep social commitments at the level you are
comfortable with.
• Don't become obsessed with cleanliness

6. Keep a pen and paper by your bed

Tackle worries that stop you from sleeping by writing them down there and then. Look at your notes the next day. The problem will not seem as bad, or your subconscious may have come up with an answer.

7. Take a Daily Stress MOT

Recharge every two or three hours by taking five minutes to massage your temples, breathe deeply with your eyes closed and open your jaw as wide as you can five times. Add a positive mental picture for even greater effect.

8. Use Check-lists

Spend five minutes writing down what you need to do the following day. Then note what you would like to do if you had the time - a wish list. Be ruthless about what is important and try to achieve one thing from the wish list, however small.

9. Be Generous

10. Learn Massage

Massage is one of the most effective ways to deal with stress that there is. It works by releasing endorphins - nature's painkillers.

I'm too worried about being Narcoleptic to sleep at night!

2007-03-22T23:23:00.000-06:00

One reason that I have found my insomnia becoming an increasing problem is how stressed how I am. If i have a lot on my mind, I'm much more prone to just not be sleepy or toss and turn for an hour before finally getting to sleep. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Jim?! How are you stressed? This semester is the easiest one of your life. You're taking nine hours of classes! All you is blog and nap!"

Of course my initial response to that is, touche. However, I have found that while I have been doing much better about getting to bed at a decent time, it can take me twice as long to fall asleep. After some frustration I came to the realization that if I had to be awake the next morning, even if it was for something fun, if I needed or planned in any way to be awake (and thus needed to get bed at a mildly decent hour so as to get 8 hours of sleep in) it takes me much longer to fall asleep and my sleep is less "refreshing" (not that it's ever refreshing).

I did some more pondering (read between the lines: I had to go #2), and I realized that I wasn't having trouble because I was stressed so much about the next day or that my mind was racing. I generally don't think about the reason I have to be up anyway.

What I do worry about it is be able to actually wake-up and be somewhat functional the next day. I know that if I don't get enough sleep the odds of either one of those becomes severely decreased, even if I'm not getting up until noon!

So my insomnia is still caused by stressed, however, not by what I have to do, but because my disability stresses me out. Now the logical person would say, "Then don't think about it." And I don't, that's the thing. I really try to relax and not think about it, but every day and every night I am consciously and unconsciously aware of the fact that

A) I'm really tired
B) I need to make sure I am eating properly and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule throughout the day as well as night
C) if I lay down to sleep, whether that's at night or just a day-time nap, there is a decent chance that no matter how many alarms I set, I won't get until about three or fours after I needed to. My whole is basically me trying to stay focused on what I can do to keep myself awake, and give me the best chance to wake up when I do go to sleep!

I think then that my body works against me in many ways ... and because of that, my mind makes things ten times worse, even though I'm aware of it. I'm constantly on guard about the potential problems that can spring up at a moment and that has become so second nature, it's just ingrained. The only way I can even try to be independent is by keeping on guard.

So there ya have it. Dr. Jim's self-diagnosis of why my insomnia seems to be getting worse even though much of my life's past stresses are gone.

Your nose never sleeps!

2007-03-22T22:51:00.000-06:00

I'm going to have to develop a new bedtime routine. True story. It'll be as follows:

Set out pills and glass of water for next morning
Take Cymbalta
Brush teeth
Take out eyeballs (aka contacts)
Go potty
Set alarm
Get naked (just kidding ... or am I? hahaha)
LIGHT A FUN SCENTED CANDLE

Yup, I'm thinking a nice vanilla scent. This addition to my schedule is because some study is reporting that apparently there's some weird link between improved memory through not just sleep, but sleeping with a familiar scent wafting about. [source]

Doctors have long advised that a good night's sleep is important for memory - but researchers now say a familiar scent wafting in the bedroom might help sometimes, too. The caveat: In the study, being published Friday in the journal Science, it only worked for some kinds of memories and during one stage of sleep, meaning it's not the answer for people hunting a quick memory boost.

You know on second thought ... perhaps a Glade scented Plug-in would be a safer alternative, because there was this one time on my old dorm floor...

If Marijuana is legalized, Narcoleptics and Stoners in the same boat?

2007-03-21T21:38:00.000-06:00

Apparently, not everyone who partakes in the marijuana experience wants it to be legalized. Here's one very interesting opinion from someone on a random message board (don't ask me how i find this s*** 'cause I ain't got any answers for you, it really just stumbles into my lap sometimes).

You don't want Marijuana to be legalized because the FDA has to regulate it. No exceptions. Everything gets classified. Because of the drug's effects, it will get labeled under the drug category Psychoactive.

The reason you care is because psychoactive drugs include narcotics that control pain, "stimulants to treat NARCOLEPSY and attention disorders, as well as anti-depressants and anti-psychotics for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses."

Kind of weird to think that the drugs I take would be labeled in the same category as legalized m marijuana (if it ever came to that).

Most of you are probably going, AND?! Well, having a prescription that is labeled a controlled substance (aka the amphetamines I take), is a total pain in the arse.

I have to call my doctor every month to get a new prescription of pills
When I make said phone call I have to leave all of my information just short of when the first time it was that I used the toilet by myself (it was the eighth grade, I was a late bloomer, haha).
I also have to do so five to seven business days in advance of when I need them (ya gotta good at eye-balling your bottle). Furthermore, my prescription is only good for like a five day window. So if I don't get it done as soon as it comes, I'm SOL!
The doctor has certain regulation on what doses he can prescribe and how many pills I can (so no stock piling ... me and House are in the same boat).
I then have to go to the pharmacy to drop off and pick-up that prescription every month.
We've had troubles with certain pharmacy's not always having it in stock because of their regulations on how much they can hold at one time.
Oh and I have to keep my pills under lock and key and in my possession, because if anyone else was caught with them they'd be charged with felony possession and I'd be charged with felony distribution of a controlled substance.

So if marijuana would be labeled as this drug, you'd probably have to get a prescription for it. As the author states:

All of which require a prescription; EVERY doctor/psychologist, i MEAN every will tell you a psychoactive drug CANNOT be admistered to the public without the guidance of them, how can they make an exception of one psychoactive drug but not another? So now if you get caught with a federally controlled substance the penalties are 4x as worse as they are now. Great idea guys! lets legalize it! Lets have the feds regulate it and have federal penalties rather than state/local penalties! Lets smoke pot man!

So unless marijuana gets legalized in the a different class of drugs, legalization of it would actually be worse for pot-smokers. Kind of ironic, isn't it?

Of course that's not the entire story. How it would be classified is debatable. It would seem from some extra research that I've been doing is that if marijuana gets legalized for medicinal purposes only on a federal level, it would be classified as explained above, which has happened in the few states legalizing it for medicine. However, if it were just flat out legalized, it would be placed in the same class as tobacco or alcohol. So the deal for marijuana users is this: Either you want it to be completely legalized or completely illegalized. If you're not using marijuana for medicinal purposes, legalizing it for medicinal purposes only would result in harsher penalties for possessing and using it.

Don't you feel so much more educated?

7 signs that you have Narcolepsy

2007-03-20T14:25:00.001-06:00

Afraid you might have Narcolepsy? Well, I'm no sleep doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night... Okay, that's a lie, but I do have Narcolepsy! So from one Narcoleptic to any potential ones, here are 7 signs that you should go see a sleep doctor and you should do it quick!

7. You don't remember the last time you woke up feeling refreshed
The bottom line is, the body uses sleep as a way to recharge your system. It's a way of renewing of your energy supply. If you don't often wake up feeling refreshed, or sleep doesn't at least give you some energy renewal you have a problem. Try to remember the last time you woke up and felt refreshed? How refreshed and how long did it last? If you can't remember or if you're answers to the last two questions are: "Not very" and In fact, I knew that was one major sign I had a problem; I couldn't recall the last time I woke up and felt refreshed, even an hour or so"Not very long" you have an issue. It may not be Narcolepsy, but it is certainly something to look into.

As it turns out, most Narcoleptics rarely, if ever, wake up feeling refreshed. This is beacause Narcolepsy is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate a healthy sleep cycle. As noted before if someone's sleep cycle is irregular, the body can't fully recharge.

6. You've fallen asleep doing something ridiculous ... like brushing your teeth!

Haha, it sounds ridiculous, but it's happened to me. If you wake up so groggy that you can complete tasks without remembering you did them (a symptom called Automatic Behavior), or you can't keep your eyes open while you're getting ready, you may just in fact suffer from Narcolepsy. Once again, it may not be Narcolepsy, but falling asleep while brushing your pearly whites is not something to brush off.

5. If your knees have ever buckled after feeling an exceptionally strong emotion (laughter, surprise, etc.)

One of the hallmark symptoms of Narcolepsy is Cataplexy, in which a person will suffer from temporary muscle weakness, most often occuring in the buckling of knees. People and animals with Cataplexy will actually fall to the ground in a split second and often without warning.

This occurence is usually associated with intense emotions, such as someone telling a hilarious joke, or being surprised. If this happened to you, I'd go see a sleep doctor. Often times people with mild Cataplexy don't go see doctors because they think it's normal or not a big deal. It is something that is treatable with daily medication, but it's best to get that under control ASAP.

4. Your best friend in the morning is a full pot of black coffee
Once again, since a Narcoleptic's sleep cycle is out of whack, we don't wake up feeling refreshed. A groggy muddled haze is one way to describe it actually. Many people may wake up feeling this, but eventually it subsides. For the narcoleptic, this may not be true. In an effort to clear the haze and get going, non-diagnosed Narcoleptics often turn to pumping a stimulant in their body to wake up.

This behavior can just be seen a normal since many people need some strong cups of coffee int he morning to get going. However, if you drink an abnormally large amount of caffeine, excessively strong coffee or feel that you really need it to get going in the morning, this may be a sign to see a doctor. A person may not want to see a doctor based on their caffeine dependence alone, however it is another sign on the road to a diagnosis of Narcolepsy.

3. If you've ever woken up "paralyzed"

Another major symptom of Narcolepsy is sleep paralysis. In a normal sleep cycle, a person enters REM sleep, the deepest stage of sleep, after about 90 minutes. During REM sleep we dream, and to prevent us from acting out our dreams, we find ourselves unable to move during this time. Since Narcoleptics have an abnormal cycle we slip into REM almost as soon as we sleep and we wake up from REM often. This can cause us to wake up paralyzed. Although people with no sleep disorders can suffer from this symptom from time to time, if you often suffer from sleep paralysis you probably already understand how scary it is.

2. You can fall asleep on command
During the day, if you feel like you are constantly to stay awake and alert, there's a good possibility you have some type of sleeping disorder. While many people stereotypically think Narcolepsy is when you fall asleep randomly, like mid-sentence, this is not really the truth. Narcolepsy is really characterized by feeling sleepy all day. A person won't necessarily fall asleep randomly, they will just fall asleep when they "let themselves". If this statement characterizes you, welcome to the Narcoleptic club!

1. You dream during naps

This is actually how most Narcoleptics get officially diagnosed. As I stated earlier, REM sleep or dreaming normally doesn't occur until about 60-90 minutes into the sleep cycle. Thus, if you dream, even when you lay down for 10-20 minutes, you're probably narcoleptic. This is actually one of the most tell-tale signs; much of the time Narcoleptics slip into REM almost as soon as they fall asleep.

If a doctor suspects Narcolepsy he/she will order a sleep study in whicht he patient will visit a sleep clinic during the day. While at the clinic, and while hooked up to a gazillion wires, you will be instructed to take a 20 minute nap every 90 minutes. During each nap they monitor if you went to sleep and if you went into REM. After each nap they'll ask you if you dreamed and what you remember. This is done for a total of five naps.

After this whole process, my doctor told me how it worked, and I was shocked that not everyone dreams during their cat naps. I couldn't believe that wasn;t normal. I was in such disbeliefe I asked pretty much everyone I know if they dreamt during naps. 95% of people gave me the weirdest look and responded with that, "No you weirdo" tone. So if you dream during naps, go see a doctor. In fact if you dream during naps go ask other people if they do too. Im guessing their response will be enough to convince you to go see one!

NARCOLEPTICS BEWARE!

2007-03-19T22:00:00.000-06:00

Japan creates a robot to pick up dead or dormant bodies!

DORMANT BODIES! Narcoleptics everywhere just felt a shiver go up our spines ... it apparently is becoming less and less safe to go out in public. I fear for the Japanese.

I fear for all of us if this little toy make its way across the ocean, because God only knows if I slip into a narcoleptic nap whether I'd wake up in time to run away.

On a lighter note, if I woke up to this robot picking me up, I'd probably not freak out for at least a few minutes as I'd be trying to figure out if it was a dream, hallucination or reality. The weirder the world gets, the harder it is to differentiate between those three.

DOUBLE SLEEP FACT FEATURE

2007-03-19T17:49:00.000-06:00

The only sleep disorder known to occur in
horses is NARCOLEPSY!!

What a random sleep fact (that was #16 for those of you keeping score at home)! I originally stumbled across this information at this post on a blog called Equine Behavior.

The post starts out hilariously: Did you ever wonder if your horse suffers from a sleep disorder?

My first thought wasn't "Jim you don't have a horse, move along ...". Nope, it was, "HMPH, ya know not until you just mentioned it. I should certainly read on...

The post continues:

Narcolepsy is an incurable non-progressive disease of the central nervous system. In humans, narcolepsy causes excessive drowsiness during the day (sometimes a sleep-attack occurs), cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone),hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. In the horse and other mammals, cataplexy is the most frequently observed symptom. Excessive drowsiness can occur but is harder to observe. Cataplexy is caused by a fragmentation of the REM sleep. Cataplexy confirms the diagnosis of narcolepsy in horses. Cataplexy can be
induced by an injection of physostigmine (van Nieuwstadt, RA et al., 1993). Other medications can be used to stop an episode.

That paragraph ends with the best line I've read today: Either method can cause gastric disturbance.

Haha, so in other words, we can treat your horse's cataplexy, BUT it's gonna cause a whole lotta stinkin' fluffy's for the rest o' it's years. By the way, for those of you not aware, Fluffy is the word Space Ghost used on one of his wonderful CD's to refer to passing gas (aka FARTING).

Thus, I bring you SLEEP FACT #15:

TREATING NARCOLEPSY IN HORSES CAUSES GASTRIC
DISTURBANCES

4 disability related links you shouldn't miss!

2007-03-19T17:04:00.000-06:00

These aren't resources for Narcoleptics, but since Narcolepsy is a disability (officially in the US anyway), here are some interesting disability related links from around the web:

Great Idea of the Day: We would all eventually learn some braille, if they just put it on keyboards. via Boing Boing

An amazing alternative to the computer mouse

Learning to sign (so you can teach your baby to communicate!)

Why does a male with a disability have more female friends?

A Narcoleptic's Wet Dream: The Car Cot

2007-03-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Found via the J-Walk blog, back in the day (like waaaay back) came this invention known as the car cot! Basically it was like a little bed you put right over your seats so that you could catch Z's when you need to! Coming from someone who has taken many naps in vehicles, including minivans this product is my wet dream!

Now the traveler can install a relief bunk in his car - an aluminum cot that extends above the seats from front to rear. While one person drives the other can sleep in full-length comfort. Made of lightweight tubing, the cot is supported by legs resting above the instrument panel, on top of the two seats, and on the rear-window ledge. It is quickly removed or installed and can be folded for storage. When folded, it is easily packed into place along with any reasonable amount of luggage.

Someone needs to update and sell this product...TOMORROW! I guarantee I'd be the first in line to buy it! Anyone else?

Here's the post on the J-Walk Blog and then the original link.

Googly Goodness: Round IV

2007-03-14T16:04:00.000-06:00

Another round of the hilarious searches that this blog ends up in the results for

STORIES ABOUT HUMANS BEING ABDUCTED BY ALIENS (no I didn't make this up!)
neurological link to holding hands (I'd just like to know what they were looking for)
I am a narcoleptic (HEY ME TOO! LET'S FORM A CLUB!)
cat nap recommended time
why is someone always so sleepy
why am i always sleepy
which animal sleep the most in a 24 hour period: horse, rabbit,duck, pig, human, and python (Why are these only options they wanted to know about? The sloth is a noble creature too!)
Feel sleepy if sitting down. (Than I'd do my best to stand up until you wanted to nap)
what to do when you are always sleepy (I take a nap myself)
always sleepy? (I just don't understand why there is a question mark, are they unsure if they are really always sleepy?)

Recommended Sleep Docs nationwide

2007-03-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Even though this information is a 100% reproduction, it is well worth posting if it helps someone out. It can often be hard for people with sleeping disorders to find a sleep specialist, let alone a GOOD sleep specialist to treat them.

For instance the sleep specialist that I see is 45 minutes to an hour away. He comes to my area once every two weeks for one day, so I either have to book him here way in advance or travel to see him and this is really an ideal situation among Narcoleptics. I'm very fortunate.

On the Talk About Sleep Narcolepsy Forum I found a thread of doctor recommendations from Narcoleptics around the country! If you're looking for a sleep specialist hopefully this list will help! I've linked to the actual post and below I have posted the area each doctor is in. If you're in any of these areas and looking for a sleep doctor I'd check out the thread!

California (La Jolla, Los Angeles, Sacramento)
Colorado (Denver)
Connecticut (Manchester Memorial Hospital)
Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater, Sarasota)
Georgia (Macon)
Illinois (Glenview, Evanston)
Indiana (Indianapolis)
Maryland (Havre De Grace)
Maryland (Baltimore)
Massachusetts (Boston)
Minnesota (Cloquet, Minneapolis, St Cloud)
Mississippi (northern part)
Missouri (Springfield)
New York (BronxManhattan)
Ohio (Columbus)
Pennsylvania (Lower Bucks Co, Pittsburgh, Ridley Park, Erie)
South Dakota (Sioux Falls)
Tennessee (Nashville)
Texas ( San Antonio)
Utah (South Jordan)
Washington(Seattle - the Virginia Mason Sleep Center; all doctors)
Washington (Spokane)
Wisconsin (Madison)

Best worstest sleep center commercial ever!

2007-03-14T13:51:00.000-06:00

A big part of getting diagnosed with Narcolepsy is going to a sleep center. Here is a commercial for a sleep center that would make me think twice about it's ability to accurately test me if my doctor sent me there. The end of this commercial has the worst CGI I've ever seen, which makes it good for at least three viewings, lots of laughs and having it's own blog post!

It wasn't my alarm!

2007-03-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

This morning, as I lay in bed slowly waking up, in another room in the house came this annoying beeping sound, clearly from a cell phone alarm. I was mildly surprised when someone did not turn it off within the first 20 seconds, and I would have myself had it not been for my own narcoleptic morning haze. I did what any waking narcoleptic would do, put the pillow over my years and found a distant place of REM sleep.

About 10 minutes later I slowly came to again, to realize the alarm was no longer beeping. As I once again lay in my bed, trying to pretend it wasn't about time to get up, the alarm started again. Once again, no one turned it off. I felt fairly confident it was coming from my brother's room, however, I had no intention of getting up to turn it off.

Finally, that alarm went off, not because anyone turned it off, but because after a certain amount of time I'm pretty sure it just gets tired of beeping. Three or four minutes later, my Dad comes into my room, and said in such a polite tone that I was shocked, "Hey buddy, did you hear your alarm going off?"

Had it not been for the fact I was waking up I would have laughed heartily as I said, probably for the first time ever in my life, "it wasn't mine!"

My Pops looked absolutely shell shocked. He stood there for a minute, almost ascertaining whether I was just out of it, or whether it really wasn't mine. I told him I thought it was in my brother's room, and still looking surprised, he apologized and backed out of my room.

I couldn't fault him for coming straight to my room. 99.9% of the time anyone should just assume that the alarm going off is in my room. Heck, my Pops was right to question whether I knew it was my alarm when I told him it wasn't.

Still, it was a fun feeling. First time I've ever been able to tell anyone that the alarm going off isn't mine!

It's going to be a good day :)

Video: Why people without Narcolepsy shouldn't makes videos about Narcolepsy!

2007-03-13T12:10:00.000-06:00

Here's a video some high schoolers made about Narcolepsy that I found on Google Video. This ladies and gentleman is why people that don't have Narcolepsy, or are close to someone with Narcolepsy, shouldn't make videos or write papers about Narcolepsy!

Sleep Fact #17

2007-03-13T10:35:00.000-06:00

The number of accredited sleep centers across the country has tripled in the past decade, from 374 in 1997 to 1,129 today, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Well I was asleep...

2007-03-13T01:52:00.000-06:00

Narcoleptic Symptom of the Day: FREQUENT NIGHT-TIME WAKENINGS

Yup, so I'm sleepy all day and then an insomniac at night a lot of times, and if I get to sleep, I have a tendency to wake up.

I bring this up because I went to bed at an amazing 10:30pm. No idea why, I was just really tired. I woke up at 1am, and tossed and turned until 2am ... it's now 3am and I'm about to go try this bed thing again ... I'm not hopeful, but I've gotta try!

Stupid Narcolepsy...

My Random Thoughts at the Moment

2007-03-12T11:45:00.000-06:00

The Narcoleptic sex post is coming, I PROMISE!

Last night I went to bed at 12:15am ... cha! First time I've been in bed before like 2am in a LOOOOONG TIME!

I'm pretty sure my happy pills (it's an anti depressant) gives me AWFUL heartburn. Anyone else have this happen or am I just weird?

Something about my template design bothers me. I don't know if it's the colors, or what. Any thoughts?

My alarm clock learned a valuable lesson this morning

2007-03-09T21:27:00.000-06:00

My second funny Narcoleptic story for the day actually happened this morning before the whole auditory hallucination thing.

I got like less 3 1/2 hours of sleep and so waking up was not an easy endeavour. For example, this morning, I apparently couldn't figure out how to turn my alarm off. I was in the middle of some dream and I was so annoyed by this intense noise and in my dream I kept slamming down on the alarm (it was really abstract because my dream wasn't in my room), and I don't remember much other than I stopped dreaming but I was still in the Narcoleptic fog (where I'm not really in control of my actions, but I'm mildly concious and have vague memories) ...

so I'm in the fog and I got so frustrated that I couldn't make the beeping stop I began tracing my alarm's electrical cord from the alarm base to wall. Upon getting to the wall plug-in point I literally ripped the plug out of the wall, and then threwit 180 degrees from what it was plugged in.

In hindsight, I wish I had video at this hilarious action. As if I needed to hulk out, rip it out of the wall and then fling it four feet away around a dresser (just the plug end, not the alarm, it's a long cord)...maybe I was scolding the alarm for not cooperating? Or perhaps I just wanted to make sure the plug wasn't going to crawl up the wall and plug itself back in. Who knows, but it was ridiculous to say the least.

Of course I think I was asleep again before my head hit the pillow.

And that reason is why I have two alarm clocks packed away at home in case I break one. I'm just waiting for the day I turn violent on the clock and not the plug. :)

I think it's best if I never own firearms of any kind. God know only knows who or what I'd shoot in an effort to stay in bed!

Today's Auditory Hallucination

2007-03-09T21:10:00.000-06:00

Just as I was falling asleep, I was thinking about my ex-girlfriend or something and somewhere in that land between asleep and really asleep (Narcoleptics are never really awake, we are just either sleepy, asleep or really asleep ...) I definitely heard a knock on my bedroom door.

I don't know if I was thinking it was her or what, but it brought me back from being asleep to that hazy concious state and I awoke, thinking no way did someone just knock on my door, had to be a hallucination. It was odd, normally if a hallucination occurs my heart is racing and I'm freaking out, or I'll at least have to seriously consider, "Did someone knock? Am I being abducted by aliens or can I go back to sleep?"

But today I woke up and it was so preposterous to me that their could have been a knock on my door I didn't even remotely consider it.

I've woken up and had to consider if there really was a murder in my ex-girlfriend's apartment, a ghost on my stairs at home, that I heard music when every electrical item was off. However, someone knocking on my door ... NOOOOO WAY is that possible! Just laught it off and go back to bed.

Then again maybe I was abducted by aliens and the knock I heard was me being teleported back to my bed. I just hope that I threw off all the data they've been collecting on humans and sleep. :)

Search Engine Goodness: Round III

2007-03-08T16:48:00.001-06:00

More hilarious searches that have led people to this blog...

Google: Real people stories living with Narcolepsy (As opposed to fake people stories?)
AOL: Vanessa Joy Minnillo (WHO?!)
Google: Watch Christine Chubbuck Video (Once again, WHO?!)
Google: Im always sleepy (me too...)
Google: Fun Wagers
Google: Is necrophilia hereditary (I bet they were pretty disappointed!)
Google: Infant always sleepy
Google: Chimpanzee adolescents
Google: Cant u develop narcolepsy (Maybe if you use proper English the search engine will give you results a little more meaningful than my silly blog! Having said that, you'll have to be a little more specific about who U is and what you mean when you say 'develop it')

It's my "The time is 3:36am and I can't sleep" post

2007-03-08T03:34:00.001-06:00

I was feeling sleepy about 1:20, so I went to bed. When I realized it was 2:40 and I hadn't fallen asleep yet, I began to curse my body as I got up, clearly deciding that just laying there was useless. I hate the fact I'll be so exhausted and sleepy all day tomorrow, and I can't sleep now.

Ugh, I'm supposed to be up in four hours ... less than four hours actually. Double UGH!

Sleep Fact #18

2007-03-07T15:27:00.001-06:00

42 million sleep-aid prescriptions were filled in 2005, a 60-percent increase since 2000, according to Medco Health Solutions, a prescription drug benefit manager. That doesn't include over-the-counter meds.

I find this fact to be especially humorous, since as a Narcoleptic I see 42 million people getting prescriptions to aid them getting to sleep and yet I take a drug to aid me in staying awake! I never did well in a large crowds anyway.... :)

To the anonymous question...

2007-03-07T12:08:00.000-06:00

I just wanted the anonymous poster of yesterday's comment to know that A) you're question made my day today and B) I am working on a post for you about Narcoleptic sex (that has a fun ring to it), so even if other posts go up, be on the lookout for the answer to your question.

Haha, even if it was a joke, that certainly takes the cake for the best comment on this blog to date!

Sleep Fact #19

2007-03-07T02:40:00.000-06:00

And this is one of my favorites so far...

Ducks at risk of attack by predators are
able to balance the need for sleep and survival, keeping one half of the brain awake while the other slips into sleep mode.

My biggest question isn't, "Ducks can really do that?" It's HOW THE F*** DID HUMANS FIGURE THAT OUT!?

Seriously, inquiring minds want to know!

What alarm? I don't hear no stinkin' alarm!

2007-03-06T17:14:00.000-06:00

Recently we had someone leave a comment that they hit their alarm like five times in the morning to get up, and certainly I thought, boy can I relate! On average I set 7 alarms to get up in the morning, and I set two of them so that I can hit their snooze a few times!

However, another problem isnt just the number of alarms, it's whether I hear them at all. For example this morning I had two alarms set to wake me up an hour before I wanted to get up so that I could take my medicine.

They were set for 6:05am and 6:07 am. The alarms go off for like three minutes and then if they aren't picked up, turn off and then every five minutes go off for another three minutes.

They were both on my cell phone and the ring style is "SIREN" if that gives you any indication as to what it sounds like.

So I have these alarms set for 6:05 and 6:07, and slowly I start coming out of this haze to realize that it's 6:32 and I'm just now hearing the alarms! So I was so out of it, that both alarms went off consistently and annoyingly for half an hour before my body adjusted to the point it woke up!

HALF AN HOUR OF A SIREN! Yeesch.

And that ladies and gentleman was what it was like being narcoleptic this morning.

Finding a place to nap..

2007-03-06T11:18:00.001-06:00

Since I am so extraordinarily pro-napping, finding a place nap is a regular issue. And thus I bring you, Geeky beds you probably haven't seen before.

My favorite is definitely the levitating bed! I'd totally feel like a bad-ass! Although I wonder if it's safe to bump uglies on that thing? Hhhmmm, I wonder if that's been tested by the company yet...

Idiot's Guide to Sleep: The Whole Book

2007-03-05T20:26:00.000-06:00

WORLD'S GREATEST!

2007-03-05T12:28:00.000-06:00

I am a regular addict of a WeBoggle game, especially late at night when I can't sleep. I normally score in the top ten, however last night at 3:54am, I got first place for the first time ever!!!!!!! WOOOOOO...

Naturally I retired to bed right after so that I could retire a champion!

If you do nothing else today, visit this website or watch this video

2007-03-05T01:11:00.001-06:00

Main Web site: http://www.kristyrecovers.com/

I hope that if I ever am in this situation someone is there for me like her brother is for her. Even more so, I hope that if I am faced with the situation where I someone I know is like Kristy I have the courage to be like Kristy's brother.

A true labor of love.

Video 1: Kristy's House

Video 2: Kristy's House 2

Sleep Fact Countdown: #20

2007-03-04T18:12:00.001-06:00

Boy have I ever been slacking on our sleep fact countdown! Well, never fear citizens I am now finishing the countdown to bring you the sleep enlightenment you so desperately desire!

This sleep fact is quite the goody too!

British Ministry of Defence researchers have been able to reset soldiers' body clocks so they can go without sleep for up to 36 hrs. Tiny optical fibres embedded in special spectacles project a ring of bright white light (with a spectrum identical to a sunrise) around the edge of soldiers' retinas, fooling them into thinking they have just woken up. The system was first used on US pilots during the bombing of Kosovo

Googly Goodness: Part II

2007-03-04T18:09:00.000-06:00

Want more fun and exciting ways to navigate here?! Well you are in luck! First, go to Google.

Then try these great searches!