Source: Project-Sleep.com
Julie Flygare, Project Sleep’s President and CEO, Jspoke at the 2022 World Sleep Congress taking place on March 16 in Rome, Italy.
Flygare, a lawyer with narcolepsy who runs marathons to raise funds, presented new research findings on Narcolepsy in Cinema during the course Art History and Humanities in Sleep. This special course focused on how sleep and sleep medicine have intersected with the arts, literature, and the Bible.
For many individuals, cinematic depictions of narcolepsy may be their only exposure to the symptoms and impacts of the condition. Thus, representations of narcolepsy in movies and TV shows provide valuable insight into public perceptions and understanding of narcolepsy. In her talk, Ms. Flygare presented new research findings from a recent systematic analysis of film and television portrayals of narcolepsy.
The presentation explored both the accuracy of these representations along with how these portrayals may influence people living with narcolepsy’s self-perceptions and social interactions. Medical professionals, narcolepsy advocates, and non-profit organizations can benefit from being aware of popular media portrayals of narcolepsy, joining the conversation as much as possible, and talking openly about how cinematic representations may differ from first-hand patient experience.
“Pinch me!” Flygare tweeted afterwards. “Speaking at #WorldSleep2022 was SURREAL. My talk on narcolepsy in cinema ? was a lot of fun — someone had to bring the lowbrow Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo (movie) to the otherwise sophisticated course on arts & sleep! The other talks were so thought-provoking and inspiring.”
Well, Flygare has the narcoplesy-positive movie Ode to Joy to take pride in, for which she actively advocated two years ago. And this weekend, she will be hosting #SleepIn 2022, the eighth annual #Sleepin2022 sleep disorder awareness fundraiser.
From March 18 through 20, participants spend part or all of the weekend in bed and are sponsored by donors. SleepIn activities while awake include social media group therapy, self-care scavenger hunting, online meetings with sleep specialist doctors, winning prizes — and this year’s merchandise includes pajamas!
Click for more information about narcolepsy and #SleepIn2022.