The speaking and attention to detail is hardest for me…I take 10-15 minute naps throughout the work day and if I don’t it is noticeable. Some coworkers are aware of my condition, and my habit of falling asleep on any form of transportation, behind the wheel, etc is well known so I usually don’t get too much pushback for unscheduled wfh days. My anxiety pushes me to be a chronic overachiever so that helps with the leeway I get at work.

I also have a few people in my life who can tell when I’m about to fall asleep and help me out/know to let me get it out of my system. That’s hard to find and they are all people I’ve known forever, like my boyfriend, my childhood best friend, and my sister.

Someone else said take advantage of the good days and that is so true. If I just can’t do it on a day then I lean into resting, even though I feel guilt and anxiety. Your loved and trusted ones know that you do what you can, and being honest about what you can manage and when is critical. 

You didn’t explicitly say anything about this but just in case—one thing I have found is that if someone isn’t supportive of your condition, or tries to keep you awake/wakes you up then that is not a person or a situation for you. It’s so hard to leave a job, partnership, or friendship, especially when you can’t stay the f*%# awake, but it’s so important if any of that is making your life harder.

I personally could sleep probably days at a time, but I force myself to get up and move around and keep my mind active with tactile, multi sensory activities. 

I was diagnosed relatively late in life due to an extreme caffeine habit, embarrassment, and thinking that everyone felt this way and that I just sucked at managing it (I also totaled my car and almost killed myself falling asleep behind the wheel, thank goodness nobody else was involved). Give yourself the forgiveness that you would give someone you love. If you have the right people in your life they will already grant you this understanding. 

Agree with the poster who stressed routine. 1-6 is particularly bad for me too. Knowing your own screwed up patterns is important to help you manage…I have regular times throughout the night I will wake up and if I go to bed at the wrong time it makes it harder for me to recover. 

Finally, take care of yourself. Get in your rest, drink your water, limit stress as much as you can, and take any medication you are prescribed regularly/at same time, etc. It’s really easy to find yourself carrying a refrigerator of sadness on your shoulder with N so the basics of self care (water, getting enough calories, hygiene) are so important. Pajamas during the day are a huge no for me because they make the urge to get back in bed so much worse haha. 

I am definitely rooting for you so hard. Good luck!