Sleeping While Awake | A Life with Narcolepsy Type 1

Falling asleep is easy—until it becomes the hardest part of your day. Recorded live in Toronto, this episode dives into the unpredictable world of narcolepsy type 1 with Heather, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner living with both narcolepsy and cataplexy. From sleep-deprived misdiagnoses to lucid hallucinations and arms that give out mid-laugh, Heather walks us through the reality behind the disorder’s misunderstood pop culture image. She opens up about losing her spontaneity, finding community, and redefining rest, all while navigating a healthcare system still catching up. It’s funny, eye-opening, and more than a little dreamlike.