Former NFL Player Josh Andrews Raises Awareness on CBS Affiliate KOIN for World Narcolepsy Day

Former NFL and Oregon State football player Josh Andrews appeared on Portland’s CBS affiliate KOIN to raise awareness about narcolepsy and the importance of early recognition on World Narcolepsy Day.

In the segment, Andrews shared his decade‑long journey to receiving a narcolepsy diagnosis. He described experiencing overwhelming sleepiness starting in adolescence, often dismissed as exhaustion from athletics. Like many people with narcolepsy, he faced years of misdiagnoses including depression and sleep apnea.

Andrews emphasized that narcolepsy is widely misunderstood. He noted that Hollywood portrayals often reduce the condition to suddenly falling asleep, while in reality symptoms vary and can include extreme daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis. He also spoke candidly about the safety precautions he takes, especially while driving, and how treatment helps him stay present for his wife and children.

Yes, I play football, but at the same I’m dealing with this. It’s something so invisible, but it has a huge effect on my life.”

Importantly, Andrews encouraged viewers to seek reputable resources and community support. He highlighted Project Sleep and its Sleep Helpline as key starting points for people who suspect they may have narcolepsy or are newly diagnosed. “Find community,” he said. “There are so many great organizations like Project Sleep, Wake Up Narcolepsy, Narcolepsy Network. There’s people out there that are going through the same thing that you’re dealing with.”

Project Sleep is so grateful for Josh’s leadership and advocacy. Also, a big thank you to CBS News affiliate KOIN for covering World Narcolepsy Day and helping to raise awareness of this misunderstood and underdiagnosed sleep disorder!

Watch Josh’s World Narcolepsy Day Segment

I’m so glad there’s World Narcolepsy Day because it’s a chance to spread this awareness to eliminate the stigma that goes along with narcolepsy.”

– Josh Andrews
via KOIN

About World Narcolepsy Day

World Narcolepsy Day is dedicated to raising awareness of narcolepsy on a global scale. Established by 24 patient advocacy organizations across 6 continents in 2019, it unites the international narcolepsy community to inspire action, increase public knowledge, and elevate the voices of the 3 million people living with narcolepsy worldwide. This day offers a vital opportunity to challenge stigma and elevate real stories like Andrews’.

More Recent Narcolepsy News