Can People With Narcolepsy Drive?

When you have no control over the internal switch that puts you to sleep, you have narcolepsy. Daytime sleepiness can strike suddenly, creating problems when you need to focus with full attention. 

That includes driving a car or other motor vehicle. Uncontrolled narcolepsy is a hazard for you and anyone else on the road. 

The good news is that you can manage narcolepsy. Contact the sleep experts at Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group for treatment of this neurological sleep disorder. Our Monroe, New Jersey office covers Manalapan, Cranbury, South Brunswick, and surrounding areas. In addition, we have a second office in Evanston, Wyoming, and we’re available via telehealth in 28 additional states.  

The effects of narcolepsy

The primary and most common symptom of narcolepsy is a daytime sleep attack. It’s a pervasive and fast-settling condition from excessive sleepiness. Everyone with the disorder experiences this. 

Other symptoms include: 

• Cataplexy: sudden muscle weakness, usually with mild effects
• Sleep paralysis: upon fully or partially waking, you’re unable to move
• Hallucinations: usually right after falling asleep or just before waking

There are two primary types of narcolepsy based on whether cataplexy is a symptom or not. Type 1 narcolepsy includes cataplexy symptoms, while type 2 does not. About 80% of cases are type 2. 

Can people with narcolepsy drive? 

The demands of driving are clearly at odds with your abilities if sleep attacks hit while you’re on the road. There’s no way to predict if you’ll fall asleep in a parking lot or on an Interstate. 

Narcoleptics typically fall directly into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the deep sleep-dreaming state that also prevents you from moving your body, another potential delay in regaining control of a vehicle. 

Cataplexy is another problem. Loss of muscle control or strength might prevent you from braking or steering to avoid trouble. 

Laws vary between states when it comes to driving with narcolepsy. In New Jersey, it’s a requirement for physicians to report conditions that impair a patient’s ability to drive. Though narcolepsy isn’t named, the reporting requirement could still apply if you haven’t had treatment for the condition. 

However, if your narcolepsy gets treated and is under control, you may be safe to drive under the law, depending on the severity of your condition. As a narcolepsy patient, you have a responsibility to be proactive about your condition and its medical management. 

You don’t require a doctor’s note to drive legally with narcolepsy, but you may be required to produce one if you come under a medical review. Having a doctor’s note before such a request may be prudent. 

You can discuss your condition and state requirements more thoroughly in consultation with Dr. Andrew Freeman and his team at Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group in Monroe, New Jersey. Use our online booking feature or call to schedule your appointment today.