Can I lose my job if I have narcolepsy?

Research like a 2016 study has found that people living with narcolepsy are more likely to be unemployed than people without this condition. People living with narcolepsy who are employed often miss work or can’t do their jobs well because of the disorder.

Is narcolepsy a disability in the workplace?

Narcolepsy is a recognized disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under this law, your employer must make reasonable accommodations, like letting you adjust your schedule or take brief rest breaks, to deal with your narcolepsy symptoms.

Can people with narcolepsy work full time?

Daytime sleepiness can make it hard to sit for long periods at a computer or during meetings. Cataplexy can cause falls or short periods of inattention that lead to mistakes and accidents. However, with the right adjustments, most people with narcolepsy can work.

Should I tell my employer I have narcolepsy?

Though not everyone decides to disclose their narcolepsy to their employer, those who do find it’s best to discuss narcolepsy with their supervisor before any problems arise.

Why is narcolepsy not a disability?

This disorder is extremely unpredictable and can be dangerous. There is no cure, but treatments such as medication and scheduled naps can reduce some of its effects. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not recognize narcolepsy as a medical condition that automatically qualifies you for disability benefits.

Can you legally drive with narcolepsy?

Is It Legal to Drive With Narcolepsy? Yes, but it may not be safe. You need to be medically able to drive, which includes being able to stay awake.

Is narcolepsy a permanent disability?

There is no cure, but treatments such as medication and scheduled naps can reduce some of its effects. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not recognize narcolepsy as a medical condition that automatically qualifies you for disability benefits.

Does narcolepsy qualify for FMLA?

Narcolepsy being a serious health condition, Mr. Mahn was eligible for up to 12 weeks job-protected leave. When an employer has knowledge of facts that would suggest need for and entitlement to FMLA it is required to inform the employee that s/he may be entitled to FMLA leave to address their health issues.

Is narcolepsy a registered disability?

Narcolepsy is a physical, life-long condition and people with narcolepsy are therefore protected by the Equality Act 2010, even if their symptoms are well controlled, and even if they do not regard themselves as being “disabled”.

Is narcolepsy an ADA disability?

Therefore, the court said, the narcolepsy substantially limited a major life activity; this qualified the condition as a disability under the ADA.

Can you get permanent disability for narcolepsy?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not recognize narcolepsy as a medical condition that automatically qualifies you for disability benefits. Therefore, you must provide a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment that provides evidence of your disorder and how it affects your ability to work.

Will I lose my drivers license if I have narcolepsy?

While most states do not specifically list narcolepsy as an underlying reason to have a license revoked, some do name it as a condition that may affect the ability to drive.

Do you have to tell your employer if you have narcolepsy?

At Work. Though not everyone decides to disclose their narcolepsy to their employer, those who do find it’s best to discuss narcolepsy with their supervisor before any problems arise. Alertness at work is often improved by thoughtful timing of medications, getting enough sleep at night, and fitting in a brief nap during the workday.

What is narcolepsy and what causes it?

Narcolepsy is a nervous system disorder that causes daytime sleep attacks and a strong feeling of needing to sleep. The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown, although it does tend to run in families.

Does narcolepsy get worse with age?

Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, but it does not usually worsen as the person ages. Symptoms can partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely. The most typical symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations.

Can you get Social Security disability benefits for narcolepsy?

Narcoleptics have won Social Security disability benefits based on narcolepsy’s functional similarity to seizure disorder. Narcolepsy is a nervous system disorder that causes daytime sleep attacks and a strong feeling of needing to sleep. The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown, although it does tend to run in families.

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