The new NBC series Stumble offers a powerful opportunity to raise awareness about narcolepsy, a serious yet often misunderstood neurological disorder. Early reviews of Stumble suggest that Madonna's experience with narcolepsy is used as a running joke, misrepresenting symptoms, and reinforcing a tired trope. We’re asking NBC to work with Project Sleep and the narcolepsy community to ensure the show’s portrayal is rooted in real science and stories, to help shatter stereotypes instead of perpetuating them. By working together, NBC can build a multidimensional and resilient character who everyone is cheering for as she overcomes adversity and pursues her dreams. 

Reviews describe the character Madonna (Arianna Davis) as:

• "A narcoleptic tumbler... she simply drops to the floor in a dead sleep at random moments.” (The Wrap)
• "Madonna suddenly falling asleep mid-sentence… less surprising and therefore less funny with each repetition.” (Decider) 
• "Madonna... randomly collapses into a sleepy pile due to narcolepsy.” (The Hollywood Reporter) 
• "Madonna … whose extreme enthusiasm is tempered by attacks of narcolepsy. (Davis passes out funny.)” (Los Angeles Times)

 Watch the trailer:

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a real medical condition diagnosed by doctors called sleep specialists. Symptoms include: 

• Excessive daytime sleepiness: episodes of sleepiness during the day, even after adequate nighttime sleep.
• Cataplexy: sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions like laughter, surprise, or anger; the person remains conscious and aware of their surroundings.
• Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations: visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations upon falling asleep or waking up. These can be frightening and confusing.
• Sleep paralysis: The inability to move for a few seconds or minutes upon falling asleep or waking up.

Once diagnosed, people with narcolepsy manage their symptoms with medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, naps, and social support. 

Narcolepsy affects 200,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide, yet the majority of people with narcolepsy are currently undiagnosed. For those lucky to get an accurate diagnosis, it takes an average of 8-15 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. Common misdiagnoses include epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia.

Learn about the symptoms from real people with narcolepsy:

Hollywood v. Real-Life Sleepiness

Hollywood's version of narcolepsy's sleepiness appears so extreme and "other-worldly" that it can be hard to imagine this happening to any real person, looking like it could lead to a concussion every time the person falls asleep standing or mid-sentence. Many people believe they could NOT have narcolepsy because their sleepiness was excruciating and invasive yet "it wasn't like the movies."

In reality, during an episode of sleepiness, a person with narcolepsy feels sleepy, has an urge to sleep, similar to an urge to use the bathroom. This sensation of sleepiness generally allows individuals some amount of time (from several to 30 minutes) to find a place to nap. Even in extreme moments, a person with narcolepsy would lay down, sit down, or support their head and body to avoid injury.  

This matters because it's believed that the majority of people living with narcolepsy today are undiagnosed -- without treatment or community. In short: if people with narcolepsy collapsed asleep like Madonna in Stumble or Carol in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, we might get diagnosed sooner. 

Hear what a real person living with narcolepsy wishes they'd seen on TV:

NBC now has a meaningful opportunity to educate millions and dismantle long-held misunderstanding and stigma through responsible, informed storytelling. We’re asking NBC to:

• Collaborate with the narcolepsy community, including organizations such as Project Sleep and our Expert Advisory Board, to inform the show’s portrayal
• Represent the fascinating but real symptoms of narcolepsy, and consider highlighting sleep specialists, diagnosis, treatment, and/or social support
• Provide educational resources for viewers, such as: “If you or someone you know is affected by narcolepsy or another sleep disorder, visit project-sleep.com/helpline or call the Sleep Helpline (1-800-819-2043) for information and support.”

Sign this petition and stand with the narcolepsy community to call for representation that is accurate and reflective of real-life symptoms and stories. Your signature can help change how millions see this condition — and those who live with it.

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Project Sleep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit aiming to foster accurate and engaging TV and film portrayals of sleep disorders to reduce delays to diagnosis. Project Sleep's Sleep Helpline: 1-800-819-2043 (Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET; voicemail 24/7)