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Join us for a new series diving deeper into specific topics relevant to narcolepsy.

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 and narcolepsy graphic

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?

Narcolepsy + Relationships

Wed., Feb 14, 2024 at 1:00pm ET

A special Valentine’s Day Narcolepsy Nerd Alert! Join us to discuss relationships with narcolepsy, from dating and early stages to long-term partnerships and marriage.

Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep Issues

Wed., Apr 24, 2024 at 5:00pm ET

Wondering how to talk about sleep issues with your primary care provider? Hear clinical and patient perspectives on discussing sleep issues and daytime sleepiness with general practitioners, and how to get referred to a sleep specialist.

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.

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