Leakey Mwenda
Sleeping disorder
Kenya

Since I was in seventh grade, I’ve struggled with a sleep disorder that has never been properly addressed. Despite seeking help in various places, nothing has truly worked. This condition significantly disrupts my daily routine and makes it difficult to stay on track.

I’m someone who genuinely strives for success, but my sleep condition holds me back in many ways. I’m a trained teacher, but I turned down a teaching internship because I felt the demands were too great given my health. I haven’t officially registered for any disability status, which adds to the complexity of my situation. Instead, I chose a less demanding and lower-paying job that offers some flexibility, allowing me to cope.

Often, I feel isolated — like I’m living in a world of my own that no one truly understands. People have mocked me or insulted me because of my condition, especially when I lose control in public, which can be deeply embarrassing. Only a few people have ever shown genuine understanding. These experiences have left me feeling low and, at times, hopeless. My condition has even affected my personal relationships, making it difficult to connect, especially as a man expected to carry strength and stability.

Yet, amid all this, I have found a small but meaningful purpose. In the brief time I spent teaching, I encountered students with similar struggles. I instinctively drew them closer, made them feel seen and supported — because I know how it feels to be misunderstood. In helping them, I saw the impact one person’s empathy can have.