The Cost of The Awake Moments

I am 24-years-old and I have two children one of both genders.  My son's name is Jaden and he is 5-years-old.  My daughter's name is Jamea and she is 3-years-old.  These two are my daily motivation.  I am currently attending EMCC at Mayhew where I plan to graduate in May 2012 with my AAS in Medical Office Technology. 
Here are seven interesting facts about me!

1. I am a Narcoleptic!  If you're wondering WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY?..... click here
2. I enjoy reading non-fiction books!
3. I love scary movies.
4. I am very impatient.
5. I often suffer from depression due to my Narcolepsy; the rate is 57% likely compared to an average individual rate of 8%!
6. I hate the outdoors.
7. I love silence.

 In the year of 2001 I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy.  This is a sleeping disorder accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness.  I have and currently experience all symptoms that comes with narcolepsy; cataplexy, hallucinations, disturbed noctural sleep, sleep paralysis, and automatic behavior.  These symptoms are detailed in the symptoms link.
At a young age I began noticing changes in myself.  For some odd reason I could no long do the things I absolutely LOVE to do.  I couldn't read two pages of a book without dozing off.  I couldn't watch an entire movie because I would wake up only to see it was over.  I was in middle school and a lot of these things I couldn't understand, but people always called me lazy so I agreed.  Dealing with Narcolepsy has caused me to be impatient and always rush to try and beat my urge to fall asleep......I drive fast, I clean fast, I iron fast,....I literally do everything in a rush. 
By the time I reached high school I became very depressed.  I had just been diagnosed with Narcolepsy with cataplexy and the medicine and all the side effects of the disorder were very overwhelming.  After taking the medication for about 6 months I found out I was addicted to Ritalin and Provigil.  I couldn't believe I was in the 9th grade and I was addicted to prescription drugs, but I needed them to function in order to complete high school.  Without the medication I was like a real drug addict.....migraine headaches, vomiting, mood changes, confused thoughts etc.  I spoke with my doctor and he began to slowly help my body become less dependent on the medication by suggesting small dosage changes every few weeks. 
After this experience so early in life it has been very hard for me to take my medication regularly without taking medical breaks due to my fear of becoming addicted to the prescription drugs.
Most people appreciate the time they are sleep because the body is able to rest. When you are unable to control how much you sleep you appreciate the time you can stay awake.