Tove Maren Stakkestad is a Danish American Writer and Blogger. She is currently sharing her experience of being a mom of 4 boys  on her blog Mama In The Now. Tove is also a person with Type 1 Narcolepsy.

In this episode, Tove reflects that she believes both her father and grandfather had narcolepsy and she had a sleepy childhood. When her mother took her to the doctors they thought it was childhood epilepsy and didn’t require further treatment. When she started falling asleep during client meetings, she sought out doctor’s insight about her sleepiness. It was then she was diagnosed with Type 1 Narcolepsy.

As her fourth child was on the way, Tove’s husband suggested that she start a blog as a means to creating an income and assist her in the ability to stay home and raise her kids. She writes about motherhood with honesty and humor. 

Tove is currently unmedicated and lives a lifestyle she calls unapologetic self-care. There is so much to learn through Tove’s blog but Claire asks specifically about a post where Tove describes how narcolepsy has made her a better parent.  

You can follow Tove @mamainthenow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. You can also check out her blog Mama In the Now here.

Tove recommends joining The Facebook Group: Real Moms in the Now- A fun group for mothers from all stages of motherhood. Also, The Hygge Movement- This is a cozy drama-free group of women who embrace the Danish lifestyle of “hygge” (mindfulness and coziness). We share book recommendations, arts and crafts - just all the things that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

You can follow Wake Up Narcolepsy at @narcolepsy_360 on Instagram, @wakeupnarcolepsy on Instagram and Facebook and @wakenarcolepsy on Twitter. Let us know your thoughts about this episode by using the hashtag #narcolepsy360 and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.