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In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, hosts Kerly and Sakhara, both living with narcolepsy type one, are joined by Dr. Jill McGarry, a clinical psychologist with 28 years of NHS experience. They delve into the importance of holistic health and mental health for managing narcolepsy. Dr. McGarry discusses strategies like energy level management, routines anchored by consistent wake times, and mindfulness. The conversation highlights the profound effects of psychological support, the importance of timing and sleep hygiene, and the benefits of a balanced diet. The episode underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in supporting individuals with narcolepsy and the potential benefits of community support.

HIghlights:
00:00 Welcome to Narcolepsy Navigators

00:30 Introduction to Dr. Jill McGarry

01:49 Understanding Narcolepsy and Mental Health

06:32 Energy Management Techniques

08:33 Mindfulness and Narcolepsy

12:53 The Importance of Routine

13:08 The Importance of Sleep Hygiene

16:15 Sleep Hygiene and Nutrition

35:08 Holistic Medical Support for Narcolepsy

38:30 Challenges in Narcolepsy Treatment

45:08 The Need for Better Narcolepsy Care

55:29 The Role of Counseling

55:42 Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

59:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

59:27 Finding Your Narcolepsy Tribe

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***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***

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In this episode of the Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast, hosts Kerly and Iris introduce their new Advocacy Series aimed at spotlighting changemakers, advocates, and everyday heroes in the field of narcolepsy. They welcome Matt Hornsnell, a sleep advocate diagnosed with narcolepsy type one and obstructive sleep apnea, who shares his extensive experiences in advocacy, public speaking, and research. Matt discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of male representation in advocacy, and the delicate balance between personal life and advocacy work. The conversation delves into topics like the impact of narcolepsy on relationships and mental health, and the necessity of setting boundaries. This episode is an inspiring exploration of how personal stories and lived experiences can drive awareness and change.

Bio:

Matt Horsnell is a husband, father of three, and sleep advocate living with NT1 (narcolepsy with cataplexy) and obstructive sleep apnea. As an author-advocate, he has published research on lived experience with sleep disorders. Matt also works as a consultant for the pharmaceutical industry and on behavioral sleep projects.

Matt has presented in national conferences at SLEEP and the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM). Additionally, Matt is the Co-Host of Hypersomnia Foundation’s UNIGHT.

Matt was recognized as Project Sleep’s Inaugural Sleep Advocacy Champion in 2023. In 2025, he was recognized with Hypersomnia Foundation’s Patient Advocate Award. Matt presented on Sleep Health Equity to The White House (2023) and was featured in a CNN article about life with narcolepsy (2024).

Highlights:

[03:09] The Importance of Social Support

[07:13] Challenges and Rewards of Advocacy

[14:03] Male Representation in Narcolepsy Advocacy

[22:02] Parenthood and Advocacy Balance

[23:02] Setting Boundaries in Advocacy

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www.napsforlife.com

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www.napsforlife.com

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In this powerful international episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Jayson, a PE teacher, endurance runner, and advocate living with Narcolepsy Type 1 with cataplexy in Taiwan.

Diagnosed as a teenager after repeatedly falling asleep in class, Jayson grew up navigating stigma, academic pressure, and deep misunderstandings — especially within a culture where performance and discipline are highly valued. Despite this, he has built a life centered around movement, self-awareness, and intentional boundaries, even running half marathons while managing narcolepsy.

Jayson shares how suppressing emotions to avoid cataplexy affected his identity, why journaling and therapy changed his life, and how he re-designed his career to protect his health. He also gives rare insight into Taiwan’s healthcare system, cultural nap norms, military service exemptions, and what true balance looks like when energy is limited.

This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply human — especially for anyone who has ever been told they “don’t look sick.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What it’s like being diagnosed with narcolepsy as a teen in Taiwan
• How teachers misread symptoms as laziness or lack of motivation
• The emotional cost of suppressing joy to avoid cataplexy
• Why Jayson chose flexible work over traditional career paths
• How exercise dramatically improves his sleep quality
• The role of journaling and therapy in emotional survival
• Cultural differences around naps and productivity
• How plant-based eating helps him manage daytime sleepiness
• Why narcolepsy is still not classified as a disability in Taiwan
• His honest answer to the “red button” question

Why This Episode Matters

Narcolepsy doesn’t look the same in every country — and Jayson’s story highlights how culture, healthcare systems, and expectations shape the lived experience of sleep disorders. This conversation challenges stereotypes and proves that strength doesn’t always look like pushing harder — sometimes it looks like resting smarter.

New Episode Out Now: https://www.napsforlife.com/podcast/episode/7f587a5c/s4e5-running-half-marathons-with-narcolepsy-jaysons-story-from-taiwan

About the Guest

Jayson is a PE teacher, endurance runner, and advocate from Taipei, Taiwan, living with Narcolepsy Type 1 with cataplexy. He uses movement, structure, and self-reflection to manage his condition and raise awareness across cultures.

Support the show

Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.

Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:

www.napsforlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast

***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***