For as long as he can remember, Matthew Owen struggled to stay awake.
Beginning in first grade, his teachers regularly sent notes home expressing concern that he seemed excessively sleepy during class. Despite sleeping more than 10 hours each night, Matthew often felt tired throughout the day. His pediatrician reassured his family that his symptoms were normal for a growing boy.
But as the years passed, the problem became increasingly difficult to ignore.
When Excessive Sleepiness Becomes More Than Fatigue
By middle school, Matthew was falling asleep in class nearly every day.
After a family meeting with the school principal, his parents sought answers from a neurologist. At age 11, Matthew underwent a sleep study and finally received a diagnosis: narcolepsy.
What Is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate normal sleep-wake cycles.
People with narcolepsy experience sudden and overwhelming urges to sleep, known as sleep attacks, which can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
These episodes can happen at almost any time, including:
- During school or work
- While having a conversation
- During meals
- While participating in everyday activities
What Living With Narcolepsy Feels Like
Although narcolepsy causes significant daytime sleepiness, it can be difficult for others to understand what patients experience.
Matthew describes his condition this way:
“The best way I can describe my condition is like a phone battery,” says Matthew, “Instead of being charged to 100% after being plugged in all night, I need a little extra help staying charged throughout the day so that I can focus.”
Finding the Right Narcolepsy Treatment
Last summer, Matthew was referred to the Stramski Children's Developmental Center at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital after the treatment he had been receiving was no longer providing the results he needed.
There, he met with Gary Feldman, M.D., medical director, Stramski Children's Developmental Center, Miller Children's.
Working closely with Dr. Feldman, Matthew transitioned to a new treatment plan that helped improve both his nighttime sleep quality and daytime alertness.
Today, he continues to see Dr. Feldman every three months to monitor his progress.
Improvements After Treatment Changes
Dr. Feldman noticed a significant difference after adjusting Matthew's medications.
“When I first saw Matthew, his hands were shaking violently, a side effect from his medication, and he had difficulty communicating. He almost fell asleep during our first session,” says Dr. Feldman. “I can tell that by switching his medication, Matthew is more in touch with his world. He appears more confident and no longer suffers from tremors.”
The Daily Challenges of Living With Narcolepsy
While treatment has helped, managing narcolepsy still requires consistent effort and planning.
Each day, Matthew must:
- Remember to take medication in the morning
- Take additional medication twice at night
- Monitor situations where he could easily fall asleep
- Schedule naps when needed to maintain focus
- Maintain healthy sleep habits
Despite these challenges, his symptoms are much better controlled today than they were in the past.
A Father's Perspective on Matthew's Progress
Matthew's family has seen firsthand how effective treatment has improved his overall well-being.
“I have definitely seen a change in my son since he’s been seeing Dr. Feldman,” says Don Owen, Matthew’s father. “He is more open to talking and seems more comfortable in his own skin. His academics and discipline have improved, too.”
The improvements have extended beyond sleep, positively impacting Matthew's confidence, communication and academic performance.
Looking Toward the Future
With his symptoms better managed, Matthew has been able to focus on his goals and future aspirations.
After graduating from high school, he enrolled in community college and is working toward a career in computer science.
His journey highlights the importance of receiving an accurate diagnosis and finding the right treatment plan for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.
When to Seek Help for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Persistent daytime sleepiness is not always a normal part of growing up. If a child or teenager regularly struggles to stay awake despite getting adequate sleep, it may be worth discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Early evaluation and treatment can help improve:
- Academic performance
- Attention and focus
- Emotional well-being
- Overall quality of life
Learn More About Narcolepsy and Sleep Disorders
For more information about narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, contact the Long Beach Adult & Pediatric Sleep Center at (562) 933-8645.
