S1E3:Advocacy Series: Advocacy in Action: A Discussion with Matt Hornsnell on Narcolepsy

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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

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.napsforlife.com

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