May 08 2026
Wake Up Narcolepsy 2026 National Summit Recap
h in News
The Wake Up Narcolepsy (WUN) 2026 National Summit took place on April 25th, at the Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois!
More attendees than ever traveled to join us in person and we even had virtual attendance from around the world. It was a wonderful turnout filled with those living with sleep disorders, those supporting them, professionals in the field and those just eager to learn more.
With more advancements in treatment options than ever, our industry representatives were able to answer many hot topic questions for the community. Being able to connect directly with different individuals helps shape your journey.
Recorded sessions will be available soon on the Wake Up Narcolepsy YouTube Channel.
This year’s welcome reception that takes place the night before the main event brought two speakers who shared powerful stories. Tim Long, one of the HeyPeers facilitators for WUN’s online support groups, and Nicole Jeray, a WUN Board Member and person living with Narcolepsy, spoke about the impact of finding community. There was also a chance to win Chicago-themed prizes with our conversation starter bingo!
Breakfast kicked off Saturday morning along with an insightful presentation from NORD. Alex Caron shared about the organization’s mission, how it aligns with WUN and what resources they have to help.
Along with NORD, there were many other exhibitor tables featuring sponsors, partners and community organizations. Each brought unique resources and expertise to support and educate attendees. The Rest Lounge was also available for those who needed a quiet space to recharge throughout the day.
The first presentation was from Bruce Corser, MD, FAASM, speaking on “From Narcolepsy Symptoms to Solutions.” Following this were two other featured speakers: Melanie Wang on “My Journey Living with Narcolepsy,” and Christopher J. Allen, MD, on “Advice I’d Give as a Sleep Doctor for a Decade About Narcolepsy – If I Wasn’t Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings.”
After a break for lunch, sessions returned with the fan-favorite from last year: our Ask the Experts panel discussion. Featuring the two providers who had already spoken along with Nicole Eugene, PhD and Alicia Roth, MD, this opened the floor to questions from both the virtual and in-person audience. Nicole Jeray moderated the discussion, which touched on everything from orexin to night terrors. The wide variety of our panelist’s knowledge ensured multiple thorough answers to each query.
This year, the event ended with unique workshops designed to support and inspire. Dr. Roth spoke to caregivers about the importance of listening to their own needs alongside their loved one’s. Dr. Eugene shared the power of stories and discussion as a person with Narcolepsy, leading multiple activities to form meaningful connections.
Thank You to our Sponsors!
Platinum Champion Sponsors – Takeda
Diamond Champion Sponsors – Alkermes & Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Gold Champion Sponsors – Harmony Biosciences
Silver Champion Sponsors – Centessa Pharmaceuticals
Program Sponsors – Axsome Therapeutics
Friends – Hypersomnia Foundation, NORD & SleepWorld Magazine
Thank you also to:
All of our amazing speakers, facilitators, volunteers, board members, as well as Events by Alli C, Brock Barton and the Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile for hosting us!