Hi Lauren. I know this was posted a few years ago but i stumbled across your comment and wanted to ask you some questions. I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia 2 years ago and my main fear is that one day when i have children that i wont be able to hear them cry. Have you had children? And if so, how are you with waking up? Thanks.

That’s a great question!! The first week or two I woke up every time. I think my adrenaline must have still been going strong. 🙂 After that, as my husband will attest, I didn’t/don’t wake up when the kid’s do. My husband was great about taking turns and honestly doing a lot of the night time feedings because he knew I needed to get all the rest I could to be functional through the day with the kids. If he wanted to keep sleeping he would have to wake me up first and then go back to sleep or else I wouldn’t hear them.

Can I give advice that’s slightly off subject? I know parenting advice is never wanted but I was glad someone passed along this nugget of advice to me as a pregnant mom. The book BabyWise, although controversial, was a God-send to us. With it my babies slept through the night at 8 weeks (6 weeks with my daughter)! When sleep is a priority, I think it’s a good book to have!

Hi, I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia several years ago and with medication and established routines I’m able to stay awake throughout the day, driving, etc.. It’s the mornings that still remain a struggle at times. I’ve slept through alarms my entire life, and have always had to rely on others to wake me in the mornings, which can be a lengthy and daunting process for my husband on the bad days where pulling me out of sleep is a huge challenge. I noticed you said you have children, and at 31, I’m desperately ready to become a mother, but my husbands biggest fear is that I’ll fall asleep and not wake up when the baby is crying. Were you able to wake when your babies cried during the night?

I am an Occupational Therapist. Can you ask your daughter’s school to provide occupational therapy for her? We can provide a ball for her to bounce on while sitting, numerous things to “fiddle” with to keep her awake while at the same time not being too disturbing to the rest of the class. I do not know if it will work all the time but any little bit…

Thank you so much for posting this. I have suffered from this disorder for years. I am successful but it isn’t easy. I have been prescribed a stimulant and my body is finally adjusting and it is no longer working. I just moved to a new city for work and it has sent my body into shock and I can’t get back into the rhythm of things. I need to find a doctor but there is no one accepting new patients.

It is just nice to know that I am not lazy, that this is real, and there are other people who are going through the same things and can understand what this can be like.

🙂 Thank you for commenting!