S4E5: Running Half Marathons With Narcolepsy: Jayson’s Story From Taiwan

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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.

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