S2E8 Sleeping for Weeks: Imaarl’s Story with KLS Artwork

Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast

Narcolepsy Navigators isn't just another podcast; it's a lifeline, a space where every story shared is a step towards changing the narrative around narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia and Klein-Levin syndrome.

Every episode is a peek into the lives of people navigating these conditions every single day. It's raw, it's real, and it’s about sharing stories that are way too important to miss.

Because when we share, we have the power to change narratives – that’s our mantra, "Share a story to change a story."

Everyday life with these conditions is an unseen odyssey, an intricate dance of challenges that most can't fathom. But we're here to bring those stories into the light, to give a voice to the silent struggles and the victories that often go unnoticed.It's about time the world saw beyond the misconceptions and understood the full impact these conditions have on someone's life.

All Episodes

Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast

S2E8 Sleeping for Weeks: Imaarl’s Story with KLS

February 04, 2025 • Kerly Bwoga • Season 2 • Episode 8

Leave a review!

London’s rush never stops—but for Imaarl Duprey, time did.

At 18, what should have been a typical New Year’s Eve turned into the beginning of a mystery illness that would steal weeks, even months, of her life at a time. Diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, Imaarl found herself trapped in a cycle of disbelief, misdiagnosis, and isolation, waking up to a world that had moved on without her.

In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Imaarl shares what it’s like to lose time, battle stigma, and fight to be believed. She dives into the emotional toll on her family, the frustration of an untreatable condition, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life interrupted by sleep. Now a mental health advocate and researcher, she’s turning her story into awareness, challenging misconceptions, and proving that rare disorders deserve recognition.

Listen now for a powerful conversation on resilience, advocacy, and reclaiming time.

Chapters

(00:10) Living With Klein-Levin Syndrome
(10:50) Uncontrollable Sleep Episodes and Diagnosis
(14:41) Navigating Life With KLS Diagnosis
(21:44) Impact of KLS Episodes on Life
(27:53) Living With KLS
(36:51) Navigating Stigma Around KLS
(44:48) Navigating Uncertainty With KLS
(50:29) Navigating Life With KLS Challenges