Narcoleptic people often find that their sleep disorder is very difficult to live with. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes overwhelming sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks throughout the day. A sudden loss of muscle tone can also happen when triggered by sudden strong emotions. Due to these symptoms, their activities of daily living can be hampered or even become life-threatening. There have been quite a number of narcoleptic people, however, who were able to battle successfully with this disorder to become famous that they are now. They are;

Jimmy Kimmel, Television Host and Comedian

Jimmy Kimmel is a well-known figure in television today. He has appeared in a number of TV shows, including The Man Show and at present, Jimmy Kimmel Live. He also helped produce the famous show Crank Yankers.

Jimmy candidly spoke about his life as a narcoleptic during an interview. He stated that he usually becomes uncontrollably sleepy in the middle of the day. There was even a time when he had fallen asleep in front of a rolling camera. He regularly takes stimulants to control his condition and be able to carry out his daily functions.

Natassja Kinski, Actress

She is a popular actress and a widely regarded international sex symbol during the late 1970s to 1980s. She was born in Germany but was based in America during the span of her career. To date, she has appeared in more than 60 films. During one of her interviews in 2001, she spoke of being saddled with mild narcolepsy.

Harriet Tubman, Humanitarian

She was an African-American heroine who worked for the abolition of slavery. She suffered a head injury while helping a slave escape. She began suffering from seizures and periods of unconsciousness after that. She often falls asleep without warning. Hence, people believed she was also a narcoleptic.

Harold M. Ickes, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff

He was the former White House Deputy Chief of Staff of then-President Bill Clinton. He also helped in Hillary Clinton Senate Campaign in 2000. He was often caught sleeping during meetings. He now regularly takes amphetamines to help him stay awake. His achievement in the world of politics is truly remarkable given his condition.

Arthur Lowe, Actor

Arthur Lowe was a BAFTA-award winning English actor who is more popularly known for his role as Captain Mainwaring in the TV sitcom Dad Army. He has been suffering narcolepsy while performing in numerous TV and theater roles.

Franck Bouyer, French Cyclist

Bouyer was a famous professional cyclist who also happens to be a narcoleptic. He used to race for road cycle team Bouygues and has won three major cycling events in France. He takes a narcoleptic medicine called Modafinil to control his narcolepsy. However, he was eventually banned in 2004 because Modafinil was a banned substance during that time.

They are just a few of the many people who became famous despite having Narcolepsy. They should serve as role models and inspirations to Narcoleptic people. Their disorder should not stop them from reaching for their dreams and strive for a better, quality life.