The Narcolepsy Nerd Alert series invites fellow #NarcolepsyNerds to explore aspects of the narcolepsy experience, contemplate bold questions, and learn from each other. Each topic begins as a live broadcast, which we are now adapting to be enjoyed via podcast!
Hosted by Julie Flygare (an award-winning geek!), the live broadcasts take place via Project Sleep’s Facebook page. Each event begins with an overview of the day’s topic, followed by an interactive discussion. After each broadcast, we create a corresponding printable toolkit featuring participants’ insights.
If you are more of a podcast person than a broadcast person, all of these great topics will be released on our podcast weekly and can be found here, on our podcast page, or your preferred podcast platform!
Broadcast Schedule
Please read the descriptions below and save the dates. These live events are free and open to anyone interested in joining, so please invite friends, family, and fellow #NarcolepsyNerds!
Narcolepsy Roadmap
Wed., Jan. 27, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Navigating narcolepsy doesn’t come with a roadmap, but it should. What do you wish you’d known at diagnosis?
Becoming a Narcolepsy Advocate
Wed., Feb. 24, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Raising your voice is empowering, but how do you get started? And does advocacy make a real difference?
Narcolepsy + Brain Fog
Wed., Mar. 31, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Having issues with concentration and memory? You’re not alone. Let’s explore brain fog, automatic behavior, and micro-sleeps.
Friends + Family
Wed., April 28, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Supporters mean everything! How can people with narcolepsy and their loved ones foster open communication and mutual support?
Narcolepsy Goes to Hollywood
Wed., May 26, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
TV and film characters seem to get narcolepsy at an alarming rate. Is all awareness good awareness?
Napping + Narcolepsy
Wed., June 30, 2021 at 5:00pm ET
Is napping an unwelcome symptom or a helpful treatment? Got “nap shame?” Let’s discuss.
Navigating School
Wed., July 28, 2021 at 5:00pm ET
Equitable education is a right, not a privilege. How can schools and families work together to ensure opportunities for students’ success?
Science of Narcolepsy
Wed., Aug. 25, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Science nerds, this one’s for you! Let’s dive into the neurobiology of narcolepsy and type 1 v. type 2 v. idiopathic hypersomnia.
Narcolepsy Around the World
Wed., Sept. 22, 2021 at 9:00am ET
How do geography and culture impact life with narcolepsy? Explore global perspectives on awareness, advocacy, and support.
New + Upcoming Treatments
Wed., Oct 27, 2021 at 1:00pm ET
Medical management is continuously evolving. Let’s discuss new options and exciting possibilities on the horizon.
Pregnancy + Narcolepsy
Thurs., Jan 27, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
Narcolepsy symptoms and treatment interact with conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding in complex ways. How do you decide what’s right for your family?
Health Insurance 101
Wed., Feb 23, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
Ever feel like navigating health insurance is a full-time job? You’re not alone. Tune in for healthcare coverage information, insights, and resources.
Narrating Narcolepsy
Wed., Apr 27, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
How do we capture the experience of living with narcolepsy in words? Authors share their perspectives on writing about narcolepsy.
Types of Narcolepsy
Wed., June 29, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
What distinguishes narcolepsy type 1, type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia? Can your diagnosis change? Hear the latest research and perspectives.
Narcolepsy at Work
Wed., Aug 31, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
Navigating the workplace with narcolepsy? Let’s discuss accommodations and practical tips for success.
Sleep Paralysis + Hallucinations
Wed., Dec 7, 2022 at 1:00pm ET
Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations and sleep paralysis can be confusing and scary. Let’s talk about why these happen and how to manage them.
Narcolepsy + Art
Tues., Feb 28, 2023 at 1:00pm ET
What’s your creative outlet? Artists discuss the relationship between their creative expression and their narcolepsy journey.
Could I Have Narcolepsy?
Wed., May 24, 2023 at 2:00pm ET
Wondering if you or a loved one could have narcolepsy? Join us to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this often misunderstood neurological condition.
Coping with Cataplexy
Thurs., Aug 24, 2023 at 1:00pm ET
Cataplexy is a unique form of muscle weakness experienced by some people with narcolepsy, but how can you recognize this symptom? What are the emotional triggers? And how do you cope with cataplexy? Let’s discuss.
Sign Up for Narcolepsy Nerd Alerts!
Whether you geek out about science, art, advocacy, or pop-culture—this community is for you! Sign up for e-updates about:
– Live Broadcasts
– Podcasts
– Video Recordings
– Printable Toolkits
Past Broadcasts
Watch video recordings of past Narcolepsy Nerd Alert broadcasts and download the corresponding toolkits.
About Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that impairs the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It affects 1 in 2,000 people—200,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide. Because of low awareness and misperceptions, there is an average of 8 to 15 years between narcolepsy symptom onset and diagnosis. Narcolepsy Nerd Alert aims to educate and empower the narcolepsy community.
About Julie: Julie Flygare, JD, serves as President & CEO of Project Sleep. In 2007, Julie was diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy while in law school. Her experience inspired her to become an accomplished advocate, community leader, and the author of Wide Awake and Dreaming: A Memoir of Narcolepsy. And yes, Julie is actually an award-winning geek, receiving WEGO Health’s “Geek Health Activist” award in 2014.