Narcolepsy

Near, drawing ever closer, the promise of rest

Always beckoning, Morpheus (1) cries out to my soul

Relentlessly, Slumber pulls at me, dragging me down 

Crushing is the weight of exhaustion upon my brow 

Overpowered; my freedom, my thought, my energy, fade

Lashed to the mast, Somnus’ (2) siren song (3) calls, yet I never reach

Every breath takes me closer to a land of respite

Promises of rest, a sweet place, in this land, a time to heal 

Sleep, my cruel mistress, bars the gates to my visit

Yet, I am trapped, far from repose; I dream of sleep 

1: Morpheus - Greek god of dreams

2: Somnus - Roman god of sleep

3: Lashed to the mast (...) siren song - Reference to Homer’s Odyssey, where Odysseus lashes himself to the mast of his ship as they pass the Island of the Sirens so that he may hear their song and hear the true desires of his heart without steering the ship into danger. This poem seeks to elicit similar imagery of hearing the call to sleep but not being able to reach Somnus, who serves as the personification of sleep here.

Author’s Note on the work: 

This piece explores the experience of sleep for a person living with narcolepsy. There is a deliberate focus on creating a repetitive theme through the personification of sleep and how, for those with narcolepsy, sleep is a cruel duality. Sleep promises rest, but it never delivers. Ultimately, the poem, as well as what life can be like for those with narcolepsy, is emphasized in the final line: a state of being trapped between being awake and asleep. 

Author’s Note on Narcolepsy: 

As a student and a nursing professional living with narcolepsy, the chronic fatigue related to this disorder can make daily life a challenge.  Personally, I am extremely grateful that I have greater control of my condition through medications. This requires that I often take medications to keep myself awake and medication to ensure my body sleeps. Living with narcolepsy has given me a deep understanding of what it means to be exhausted. Life as a student is never easy, and adding chronic fatigue to everyday life creates a significant challenge. In many ways, narcolepsy is an invisible disorder, similar to other conditions causing chronic fatigue. Through creating this emotionally charged poem, I hope readers can share the experience of narcolepsy and those living with chronic fatigue. 

About the Author

Thomas (Tom) Richey (he/him) is a Doctorate of Family Nursing Practice candidate at the University of Michigan, with a tentative graduate date of May 2025. Tom is passionate about providing healthcare services to underserved and marginalized populations. As a National Health Services Corps Scholar, Tom is seeking to dedicate his life to empowering the communities in which he will have the privilege of serving as a primary care provider.