Alester Brown

Can I Drive if I'm Diagnosed with Narcolepsy?

This chronic sleep disorder can be one of the most debilitating. It can significantly impact your daily life and prevent you from doing things others can manage without any issues.

The most common symptom of this disorder is severe daytime sleepiness. The feelings of drowsiness come on quickly and sometimes randomly, posing some obvious safety risks.

So that begs the question: Can you drive if you have this disorder?

The Risks of Driving with Narcolepsy

It's good news and bad news for those with this sleeping disorder.

The good news is that, in most cases, it's perfectly legal to drive if you're diagnosed. We'll get into the exceptions in a bit.

But the bad news is that it can be risky.

When you experience drowsiness, your reaction time slows down, and you lose focus on the road ahead. That makes it difficult to react to the unpredictability of driving. But that's not all.

In many instances, people with this disorder automatically go to the rapid eye movement stage. The body essentially experiences paralysis as you fall into deep sleep and dream.

Overall, this disorder makes driving hazardous when its symptoms set in. If you experience tiredness on the road, you risk your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Understanding State Driving Laws

State laws can vary dramatically. However, all states have laws that require you to be medically able to drive. Many jurisdictions require you to disclose any medical conditions that could impair your ability to drive safely. That includes this sleep disorder.

That said, most states will not prohibit your driving. You're perfectly legal to drive as long as you have medical clearance from a doctor.

Should You Drive?

Fortunately, there are ways to stay safe even if you have this sleep disorder. Many medications help manage the symptoms. People who deal with this disorder must also learn to "read" their bodies and understand how it affects their well-being.

Stress and other strong emotions can sometimes trigger drowsiness. The same goes for eating habits and alcohol consumption. With proper management, you can take steps to mitigate your risks and ensure you stay alert on the road.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on difficulty sleeping & online sleep programs. You can find her thoughts at CBT tools blog.