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In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet the radiant and resilient Taya Austin, a federal employee, nonprofit leader, and auntie-turned-parent, living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH).

After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told to “just sleep better,” Taya finally received her diagnosis two years ago. From childhood naps and overwhelming exhaustion in college, to hiding her symptoms while earning her master's and serving her community, her story is one of silent suffering turned self-advocacy.

Taya talks candidly about:

• [06:12] How doctors ignored her fatigue for years
• [13:17] The moment she refused to be dismissed again
• [18:03] Learning boundaries and unlearning hustle culture
• [21:02] How IH impacts dating, friendships, and self-worth
• [30:01] Her experience with medication, including Xywav
• [34:19] Why she'd hit the red button to erase IH

💡 Taya’s voice is powerful, full of laughter and light—and rooted in the truth that rest isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.

🎧 Listen now for a deeply relatable episode about learning to slow down, speak up, and take your life back—nap by nap.

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***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***