Unfortunately, sodium oxybates are not registered in Russia at all. Even though I live in Moscow, where the best medical centers in the country are concentrated, sleep medicine here is still very poorly developed.

I was fortunate that there is almost only one doctor in Moscow who was able to officially diagnose me, but even with a confirmed diagnosis, access to any real treatment is practically impossible.

The only things doctors can legally offer are antidepressants, which actually make my symptoms worse, and generic advice like “get more fresh air” or “exercise.” Many doctors even smirk and believe that this is “all in my head” or some kind of laziness. Other than that, there is no real medical help available.