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In our latest episode of Narcolepsy Navigators’ Medical Series, we sit down with Dr. Chris Allen, board-certified pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, founder of Quality Sleep and Neurology PC in Michigan.

Dr. Allen brings both medical expertise and lived experience to the conversation, sharing his own 21-year journey living with obstructive sleep apnea while breaking down why sleep disorders are among the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed medical conditions today.

We cover everything from narcolepsy misdiagnosis and pediatric sleep disorders to the dangerous myth that snoring is “normal,” the real connection between sleep and heart health, and why CPAP is not the only treatment option for sleep apnea.

This episode is a must-listen for patients, parents, clinicians, and anyone who has ever been told, “You’re just tired.”

Topics Covered

• Why sleep medicine is still under-taught in medical schools
• Dr. Allen’s personal experience with sleep apnea
• Why snoring is a medical red flag, not a joke
• Narcolepsy vs depression vs hypersomnia
• Pediatric sleep disorders and missed diagnoses
• ADHD-like symptoms caused by poor sleep in children
• Restless legs, ferritin levels, and iron deficiency
• The link between sleep, heart disease, and blood pressure
• CPAP alternatives and emerging treatments
• Hustle culture and why sleep deprivation hurts productivity
• Representation and trust in healthcare

Why This Episode Matters

Sleep disorders don’t just affect energy — they affect memory, mood, heart health, development, and lifespan. Dr. Allen explains why untreated sleep conditions quietly damage the body over time and why awareness can literally save lives.

About the Guest

Dr. Christopher J. Allen, MD is a board-certified pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, founder of Quality Sleep and Neurology PC. Known online as Sleep Dr. Chris, he is a leading voice in accessible sleep education and a strong advocate for patient-centered care. Above all, Dr. Allen is a devoted family man, proud husband, and father of two—bringing the same passion he holds for his patients to his home and loved ones.

Every child deserves a good night's sleep... Purchase Your Copy of Sweet Dreams Today: https://www.sleepdrchris.com/

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

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Narcolepsy is often misunderstood, dismissed, and dangerously underdiagnosed — especially in women. In this powerful Advocacy Series episode, we sit down with Dr. Anne-Marie Morse, a neurologist with specialized training in child neurology and sleep medicine, to talk about what real advocacy looks like, why diagnosis delays can stretch nearly two decades, and how patients can reclaim power in the healthcare system.

Dr. Morse breaks down one of the most important truths in sleep medicine: language matters. Words like tired, fatigue, and sleepiness are not interchangeable — and using the wrong one can lead to missed diagnosis and years of suffering.

We also discuss the emotional reality of narcolepsy: grief, identity, guilt, family dynamics, and why peer support and global community are essential. From workplace wellness myths to school system failures, this conversation is both validating and activating.

If you’ve ever felt unheard, minimized, or reduced to a score on a scale — this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why narcolepsy impacts an entire ecosystem (family, friends, school, work)

• The average delay to diagnosis — and why women face longer delays

• The difference between sleepiness vs tiredness vs fatigue

• Why you are NOT your Epworth Sleepiness Scale score

• The best question a doctor can ask: “What can’t you do?”

• The grief that comes with diagnosis — for patients AND families

• Why mental health support should be standard in chronic illness care

• How peer support can prevent isolation and long-term disability

• Why sleep should be treated like water — essential, non-negotiable

• How advocacy needs to become global to create real change

Key Takeaway

“We need to create treatment regimens that fit people’s lives — not lives that fit treatment regimens.”

Dr Ann Marie Morse

Resources Mentioned

Project Sleep

Hypersomnia Foundation

Wake Up Narcolepsy

Faces of Narcolepsy

Julie Flygare’s book: Wide Awake and Dreaming

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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.

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.***