Such is the rarity of the situation, it will possibly usually take 10 or extra years for a affected person to be recognized, throughout which period, some are dismissed as being lazy or unproductive.

One second, she was watching a Peter Kay routine on TV in mattress along with her husband and the following it seemed like she had drifted off. However she wasn’t asleep, her laughs had triggered cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy, which meant that regardless of appearances, she was wakeful.

Mrs McFarlane, 47, who lives in Jordanhill, mentioned: “I used to be laughing and inside a break up second it seemed like I used to be asleep, however I used to be mendacity there and I couldn’t transfer any muscle mass. It was horrible. I used to be nonetheless awake and acutely aware, however I used to be basically trapped in my physique.”

She says she first observed issues weren’t proper in 2010, whereas she was on maternity go away along with her third baby and was struggling to remain awake. 

She then observed that feelings, resembling laughter or smiling might set off an assault. Her face muscle mass would droop and her legs would give manner. 

In her job, instructing youngsters with further wants at Hazelwood College, she would retreat to the workers bathrooms the place she would find yourself asleep. Individuals would discuss to her and she or he would wrestle to remain awake and she or he had to surrender driving the varsity bus.

She mentioned: “It was horrendous. Once I laughed, I had a type of shutdown, as if I had rebooted in a break up second. Like the facility had gone out and are available again on once more.

“I needed to cease watching humorous issues on TV and avoiding humorous conditions with the youngsters.

“It noticed a part of me disappear. I even needed to be taught to perform as a distinct type of mum to the one which I used to be.”

It’s estimated that round 30,000 folks within the UK undergo from narcolepsy, which is a recognised incapacity and may also trigger vivid desires, poor reminiscence, computerized behaviour and weight problems.

The instructor sought assist from her GP and in 2013, was referred to a specialist staff at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the place she was lastly recognized. 

Whereas there’s no remedy for the situation, the staff labored to search out out one of the best scientific therapy, in addition to different help required to assist Heather hold her job and stay a extra ‘regular’ life.

Margaret Docherty, a nurse practitioner on the sleep clinic, has been pioneering therapy approaches, along with her experience sought by colleagues throughout Europe. 

She mentioned: “Narcolepsy may be fully devastating for folks’s lives. It’s about discovering the appropriate therapy and help for the particular person, all the pieces from psychological help, to medicine and understanding their lives and desires. My driver is how we are able to enhance issues for folks – that’s what issues.”

The staff prescribed Sodium Oxybate, a purified type of GHB, which depresses the central nervous system, as a part of a spread of therapies to assist Heather keep awake throughout the day and asleep at evening.

“It was a game-changer in numerous alternative ways,” added Heather. “I’ve been in a position to get a few of my life again.”

Dr Eric Livingston, Respiratory Marketing consultant and Scientific lead on the clinic, mentioned: “After we get the medicine proper, it will possibly rework lives, permitting folks to drive their vehicles once more, or get again to work or college – as a substitute of individuals pondering they’re drained or lazy.

“Some folks have been informed for 30 years that they’re lazy, earlier than they even get a prognosis, however we are able to help and get them again to a full life once more.”

Dr Livingston paid tribute to his staff, not least Margaret. He added: “I take care of the narcolepsy and scientific signs, however the service Margaret supplies is exclusive. 

“She will be able to see the large image about the way it impacts on folks’s lives. She has finished wonderful work with these sufferers and, together with our service being a pioneer in offering new drugs, it’s actually making a optimistic distinction.”

Mrs McFarlane, has been supported by her colleagues and stays at work – with a beanbag readily available, in case it’s wanted for her much less frequent assaults. She’s additionally discovered methods to smile and chuckle once more.

She added: “The staff have been wonderful. It’s arduous to stay in Glasgow and must keep away from issues that are humorous – now I don’t must.”