My Story with Narcolepsy

Hi, I’m Paul Poulos, founder of the Narcolepsy Life Academy.

I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in my late 20s. But I didn’t let my condition stop me. I went on to have a successful international career, opening new offices for my company, managing teams across Asia.

Now, I want to help other people to live with narcolepsy just as successfully as I did. To fulfil their dreams. 

Diagnosis and medication can help many narcoleptics. But there’s so much more you can do for yourself. It took me 10 years to find that out. I wish I’d know earlier.

That’s why I founded the Narcolepsy Life Academy.

So that others facing the challenges of narcolepsy and cataplexy can get the knowledge they need to live the lives they want and deserve.

Discovering the Truth: A Journey of Misdiagnosis, Mystery, and Relief

Discovering that I had narcolepsy took some time, like many others with the condition.

In my early twenties, I experienced typical symptoms like constant tiredness and feeling sleepy while driving. However, I never considered that something serious could be wrong. I attributed it to working too hard or my lifestyle choices.

Occasionally, as I was about to drift off to sleep, I would find myself in strange dream-like scenarios where I couldn't move. I now know it was sleep paralysis accompanied by hallucinations, but at the time, I brushed it off.

It was the development of cataplexy that led me to seek medical assistance. When I laughed, I would suddenly lose strength in my knees or my head would droop. I consulted my GP, but unfortunately, like many others, he knew nothing about narcolepsy or cataplexy. He conducted some blood pressure checks, found nothing unusual, and sent me on my way.

Then, I had a severe cataplexy incident.

I was in my late twenties, visiting my family before a trip abroad. During an emotional conversation with my father, my legs gave way, and I collapsed to the ground. I was immobile.

My father (a GP) was shocked. For the first time, he believed there was a deeper issue behind my symptoms. He promptly sent me to a neurologist.

Fortunately, luck was on my side. The neurologist had recently diagnosed another patient with narcolepsy - the first time he encountered the condition. Although it took him some time to correctly diagnose the other patient, he immediately recognized my symptoms. He ordered a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) to confirm his suspicion. The results came back positive.

Living with narcolepsy: Breaking the stigma and pursuing success

Discovering my narcolepsy diagnosis brought relief, validating that I wasn't lazy or at fault for my struggles. However, it didn't miraculously solve all my problems. Like many others in my shoes, I initially hesitated to discuss my condition at work, fearing judgment, criticism, and missed opportunities. Despite my ambition and willingness to put in long hours, I yearned for acceptance and the chance to excel.

Discovering a lack of online support groups and information at the time, I persevered through my struggle with narcolepsy, relying on medication alone. But as time went on, I realized the value of confiding in my managers. Luckily, they were always understanding and supportive, never allowing narcolepsy to hinder my success. I went on to launch a fitness clubs across South East Asia and enjoyed a successful career.

However, my journey with narcolepsy wasn't always smooth sailing. In the early days, I believed that working long hours was the key to success, but this led to negative consequences. It was then that I realized managing narcolepsy is about more than just medication. Lifestyle choices play a significant role in our capabilities.

It became clear to me that medication is just one aspect of the solution. Lifestyle interventions are crucial for optimizing performance, productivity, and overall well-being, especially for those with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. In fact, since baseline performance tends to be lower, the impact of lifestyle management can be remarkable.

By implementing a well-designed plan, individuals with sleep disorders can avoid the downward spiral often associated with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Prioritizing lifestyle interventions and finding the right strategy is essential for living your best life. Don't let narcolepsy define you. Take control and embrace a strategy that empowers you to thrive.

Unlocking a better life with Narcolepsy Life Academy

Don't wait years for a diagnosis or even more years to start transforming your life. It's time to unleash your best self, embrace lifestyle changes, and experience the fulfillment you deserve. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can truly live - pursuing your passions and achieving total well-being.

Drawing from my invaluable experiences and collaborations with experts in fitness, wellness, and coaching, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge with others. At the Narcolepsy Life Academy, we offer a unique blend of personal insights and neuroscience-based strategies that have empowered countless individuals to optimize their lives and improve their well-being.

Join us on this journey to discover effective techniques that have not only transformed my own life, but have also helped countless clients find joy in living again. Our ultimate mission is to guide you from diagnosis to successfully managing narcolepsy, quickly and effortlessly.