Latest Updates -- Narcolepsy Sleeping Disorder

So it's been a while since I've updated on my site.   So earlier last year, I found out I have a sleeping disorder called Narcolepsy and an associated condition known as cataplexy.  Narcolepsy is where I get very little REM sleep and as a result is constantly tired and low energy, as well as often having trouble focusing and daytime sleep attacks where I fall asleep just by being idle or bored.

This has always been an issue since my teens and I had simply assumed it to be another part of being legally blind and Stargardt's.  I had thought my inability to focus was a result of unable to see with my central vision.  So early last year, other symptoms became more prominent and after doing some research decided to go to a sleep clinic.  Turns out I have a condition called Narcolepsy and Cateplexy where yes I fall asleep in matter or minutes but the worst part of it is not being able to really go into deep sleep, so I keep sleeping but am constantly tired without end.

I was also told, this condition pretty much will only get worse and that hte only way to controll (not cure) is to take meds.  Variety of stimulants for the REST of MY LIFE!  I opted to search for another option.   Luckily I ended up finding Qigong which is the general form of Taichi.

After doing it for a while, it seem to have improve both my sleep quality and my energy levels.  And even fixed my long term back/neck/shoulder problems from poor posture and tilted head due to looking through peripheral vision.

I started to look into more scientific research and suspect  its related to blood flow and oxygen to the brain.  The brain has the ability to repair itself after damage and with increase blood flow and oxygen to the head, it theoretically has the ability to help regenerate deteriorated cell and induce cell growht. So my tense shoulder and back started to release and the spine ended up releasing which has help me significantly.

So basically it doens't have much to do with Stargardt's except for the fact I've gone through having/living with Stargardt's, dealing with this additional "disease" seems almost easy.  Annoyance perhaps but the emotional baggage is no more for sure.  I guess I've learned to see the up side of things and just keep working on pushing through regardless of whatever comes my way.  Afterall  that's just life.

Understand yourself and how toyou can overcome Stargardts via personality types

Recently I've been reading  about the BCTI personality types as part of a self discovery process.  Going through this process, it made me realize that although trauma comes in many forms, different personalities may deal with it in  differing methods.

Although I'm still trying to understanding  how each personality affects the way we overcome  our own psychological mindset.  (16 types in total)  As an ENFP (extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiver)  I have an innate optimistic view that is built within my nature.  In addition, it makes it much easier for me to look at this in a bigger picture sense and by contemplating questions and constant self development, I have the ability to work through coping with life with Stargardts and the associated psychological impacts it had in my life.

N types
All intuitive types have a much stronger ability to rationalize or work through their own logic/feeling and finding balance within their lives.  It would be most likely be a question of when and how but not if they can or not.  It is a part of the intuition characteristic to be able to rationalize and see beyond the present.

S Types,
This is a more grounded type of personality type who focuses on the present.  I've yet to fully explore how this type work through their own identity and doubts that is brought on by considerations such as Stargardt's.   I suspect that this group of people may need outside help and structure in order to help them cope with the damages and disappointments brought on by having Stargardt's.

One things for sure, there are different ways of being at peace with oneself.    Perhaps it might be worthwhile looking at what kind of personality type you or your child are and  think about how you can utilize your best traits  to help you become more comfortable in your own skin.

This is also particularly helpful when trying to understand what may be your strongest characteristic and how you can use that to your advantage and utilize your best traits to help find your place in a sighted world.