Narcolepsy Support Group

Sit in the corner and lean on the wall.When we go out to dinner we get a booth so son has the support he needs and on one notices if he has problems.

you know......I remember growing up with a father who always fell asleep in church and he was in the choir! Sitting up in the rafters and he would be snoring his head off.

Even though you fall asleep you still hear what they are preaching. I had a pastor say that he never minded people falling asleep during his sermons as he was glad they just came. Talk to your pastor but chances are he wont be mad so just sit in the back somewhere and absorbe it all through your sleep. In reality it bothers you more than anyone else around you. Besides people are in church....they arnt supposed to be mean on Sundays right? They are supposed to love you no matter what.

Is it super early in the morning? If it's not too early, consider getting up early and then taking a nap before you go. And if it's possible, nap before your afternoon meeting.

Do you go alone? Try to sit with someone that knows your situation and can give you a little nudge when you start to doze off.

Not sure if you take meds or not.... but if you do, consider skipping your Saturday meds. Then you're Sunday meds might work a little better (if they're stimulants)

Try not to stress about it too much! Its the thought that counts, right? And you should get bonus points for going eventhough you have a disability that makes it harder for you than everyone else! I'm sure your pastor is impressed that your making such an effort to be there!

Hugs!

We sit in the front row,our pastor knows my situation so she makes it a point to talk at me as much as she can. If I do close my eyes, I can still absorb what she is saying, and no one behind me knows if my eyes are closed or not. Another thing I do is I drink a coke on the way to church, use the restroom as soon as I get there, and the caffeine helps to keep me awake. Also we go to a very laid back church, so if I need to keep my coke with me in the service no big deal.

Good luck, I would hate to see you stop going .

RenateFr-
Ditto to your response!

Hey...
hello everyone and happy Friday evening.Thank you greatly on all you'r helpful feedback and great advice!
I'll follow if any improves while in church.Again thanks everyone.

aaahhhh its so sad how we struggle to enjoy something we like to do.
I am not sure how you can stay awake, can you stand for a while?
just dont get comfortable, eat something, drink something, spray your face with water, what ever you choose to do let us know...good luck, vonny x

I have only fallen asleep a couple of times in church, I can still hear whats going on, but I find it difficult and embarrasing when i do, although on the whole people in my church know why.

I try to really concentrate on whats being said and its easier to stay awake when its interesting, which is probably something you should never tell a preacher or speaker! :)

I think the advice to get up early and nap befor you go out is good advice but not always easy, try taking notes on whats being said or maybe find a less formal service where they have discussions or you could ask questions making it interactive to keep you awake.

Hope this helps

I use to fall asleep a lot in church until i started regularly taking intense notes. That way i had to be engaged enough mentally to jot stuff down and kinda interpret what is being said.
I've found the same helps to stay awake during lectures at my college.
Also helped that my old church had a variety of services, some with engaging music prior to the sermon and on saturday night and sunday night they had services too (in addition to the usual sunday morning ones).
But yea..intense note taking has helped me!

Everyone here has some awesome ideas! I always sit in the back or in the balcony, so I won't bother people when I get up and pace back and forth. Occasionally, I'll zip to the bathroom to wash my hands in cold water/do a few jumping jacks. Also my husband helps keep me awake.

But ultimately, I think the most important thing is that you try to be as engaged as possible, but don't sweat the sleep attacks. God knows your limitations.