About Us
Our vision is to serve our diverse community creating opportunities for a vibrant future lifestyle for people with Narcolepsy.
Hi, I’m Paul Poulos.
Despite being diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in my late 20s, I didn't allow it to hinder my success. I achieved a thriving international career, launching new businesses and overseeing teams across Asia.
Now, my mission is to empower others with narcolepsy to live just as successfully as I have, and to pursue their dreams. While diagnosis and medication can offer relief to many, I discovered there's so much more you can do for yourself. It took me a decade to realize this, and I wish I had known sooner.
That's why I established the Narcolepsy Life Academy. It's a platform where individuals facing the challenges of narcolepsy and other sleep disorders can gain the knowledge they need to create the lives they truly deserve.
My Story
Discovering the Truth: A Journey of Misdiagnosis, Mystery, and Relief
Discovering that I had narcolepsy took some time, like many others with the condition.
In my early twenties, I experienced typical symptoms like constant tiredness and feeling sleepy while driving. However, I never considered that something serious could be wrong. I attributed it to working too hard or my lifestyle choices.
Occasionally, as I was about to drift off to sleep, I would find myself in strange dream-like scenarios where I couldn't move. I now know it was sleep paralysis accompanied by hallucinations, but at the time, I brushed it off.
It was the development of cataplexy that led me to seek medical assistance. When I laughed, I would suddenly lose strength in my knees or my head would droop. I consulted my GP, but unfortunately, like many others, he knew nothing about narcolepsy or cataplexy. He conducted some blood pressure checks, found nothing unusual, and sent me on my way….. Then, I had a severe cataplexy incident.
Living with narcolepsy: Breaking the stigma and pursuing success
Discovering my narcolepsy diagnosis brought relief, validating that I wasn't lazy or at fault for my struggles. However, it didn't miraculously solve all my problems. Like many others in my shoes, I initially hesitated to discuss my condition at work, fearing judgment, criticism, and missed opportunities. Despite my ambition and willingness to put in long hours, I yearned for acceptance and the chance to excel.
Discovering a lack of online support groups and information at the time, I persevered through my struggle with narcolepsy, relying on medication alone. But as time went on, I realized the value of confiding in my managers. Luckily, they were always understanding and supportive, never allowing narcolepsy to hinder my success. I went on to launch a fitness clubs across South East Asia and enjoyed a successful career.
However, my journey with narcolepsy wasn't always smooth sailing. In the early days, I believed that working long hours was the key to success, but this led to negative consequences. It was then that I realized managing narcolepsy is about more than just medication. Lifestyle choices play a significant role in our capabilities.
It became clear to me that medication is just one aspect of the solution. Lifestyle interventions are crucial for optimizing performance, productivity, and overall well-being, especially for those with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. In fact, since baseline performance tends to be lower, the impact of lifestyle management can be remarkable.
By implementing a well-designed plan, individuals with sleep disorders can avoid the downward spiral often associated with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Prioritizing lifestyle interventions and finding the right strategy is essential for living your best life. Don't let narcolepsy define you. Take control and embrace a strategy that empowers you to thrive.
“Paul has shown me that it is not only doable but can be a real journey of discovery when you want to take the next level in your career and personal life. I highly recommend the wonderful support, guidance and challenges Paul brings with his coaching style. He shows so many different paths you sometimes can’t see until you do the work. ”
Unlocking a better life with Narcolepsy Life Academy
Don't wait years for a diagnosis or even more years to start transforming your life. It's time to unleash your best self, embrace lifestyle changes, and experience the fulfillment you deserve. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can truly live - pursuing your passions and achieving total well-being.
Drawing from my invaluable experiences and collaborations with experts in fitness, wellness, and coaching, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge with others. At the Narcolepsy Life Academy, we offer a unique blend of personal insights and neuroscience-based strategies that have empowered countless individuals to optimize their lives and improve their well-being.
Join us on this journey to discover effective techniques that have not only transformed my own life, but have also helped countless clients find joy in living again. Our ultimate mission is to guide you from diagnosis to successfully managing narcolepsy, quickly and effortlessly.
How the Narcolepsy Life Academy can help you
In addition to my own experience of narcolepsy and cataplexy which informs my coaching, I draw on my experience building and leading teams across Australia and South East Asia. Plus, I’ve invested in the training and education to ensure I can coach you in all aspects of your life with sleep disorders like narcolepsy.
I’m an International Coaching Federation certified Human Potential Coach, International Coaching Federation Member (ICF), Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor and Mindfulness Teacher.
In my Coaching practice, I integrate four styles of coaching – Life, Health, Performance and Personal Development Coaching. I support you towards improved performance, realising your potential and increasing your energy, so you can live a healthier and happier life.
I also offer a range of online Courses, some with live group sessions, some with pre-recorded content which you can access at your own pace. And I run a Facebook community where I answer questions and offer tips and tricks to help you live your best you.
Qualifications
I hold a number of coaching qualifications and accreditations, and these include:
Certified Human Potential Coach (CHPC)
ICF accredited coach (ACC)
SleepSpace Sleep Coach
Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing instructor
HearthMath Institute Stress and Well-Being Assessment Provider
HeartMath Institute Add Heart Facilitator
Please explore the site to see all the ways I can work with you.
If you’ve got questions about which course or program is best for you, or about narcolepsy in general, please get in touch.
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