Narcolepsy is a medical disability that causes the sufferer to experience disrupted sleep. Many times they do not receive the proper amount of REM (or deep rapid eye movement) sleep during the night, and as a consequence, experience periods of extreme fatigue and even falling asleep at very inconsistent times. Often, a narcoleptic may have had the necessary seven to eight hours of sleep the night before, but still finds that they have fallen asleep at their desk at work, or while sitting still watching a video.

Narcolepsy is a medical disability that is protected under State law and Federal Law. While many treatments exist, some of the best treatment is allowing brief periods that are planned throughout the day to take a short nap, so as not to simply fall asleep at a much more inconvenient or inappropriate time. As Narcolepsy is a protected medical disability, those suffering from this disability have rights under both Federal and State law.

For example, Narcoleptics qualify for reasonable accommodations in the workplace with their employer. Reasonable accommodations may include (but are not limited to): setting aside 20 minutes periods throughout the day to take a planned nap so as not to fall asleep during other periods of the workday, time off of work for medical appointments, and an area where the person can take these naps undeterred and without disruption.

Your employer must make an effort to accommodate your medical disability, they cannot simply fire you if you have a qualified medical disability. Further, you are protected from law from being harassed and discriminated against due to you disability. If you suffer from Narcolepsy, and you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, or are not receiving adequate accommodations for your disability, INA would make it illegal for health insurers to raise premiums or deny coverage based on genetic information, and would prohibit employers from using such information for decisions on hiring, firing, promotions or job assignments.

If you or a loved one have been fired or discriminated against at work due to narcolepsy, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Call the Law Offices of Law Offices of David H. Greenberg in California now for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-252-9776. We are experienced attorneys who can help you learn your rights. You may be suffering from a disability, but you are not alone.