Opinion ID: 157325
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Substantially Limits

Text: We now consider whether Pack’s mental impairment/depression “substantially limits” her in the major life activity of sleeping. In order for a physical or mental impairment to be “substantially limiting,” the individual must be: (i) Unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform; or -8- (ii) Significantly restricted as to the condition, manner or duration under which an individual can perform a particular major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average person in the general population can perform that same major life activity. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(j)(1); Sutton, 130 F.3d at 900. In determining whether an individual is substantially limited in a major life activity, three factors should be considered: (1) the nature and severity of the impairment; (2) the duration or expected duration of the impairment; and (3) the permanent long term impact, or the expected permanent or long term impact of or resulting from the impairment. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(j)(2); Sutton, 130 F.3d at 900. In addition, we evaluate whether a physical or mental impairment is substantially limiting in a major life activity while taking into consideration any mitigating or corrective measures utilized by the individual, such as medications. Sutton, 130 F.3d at 902. Thus, in order to establish that she was substantially limited in the major life activity of sleeping, Pack was required to establish that she was unable to sleep or was significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration of her ability to sleep as compared to the average person in the general population, taking into consideration the three factors and any mitigating or corrective measures. See 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(j)(1)(i) and (ii); Sutton, 130 F.3d at 900-02. Pack did not allege that she was completely unable to sleep. Hence, we are concerned with Pack’s ability to sleep as compared to the average person in the general population. At trial, Pack testified that in January, 1995, “[s]ometimes I would go off into -- finally go to sleep and I would wake up shaking, crying, nervous, upset. I would be up for two or three hours before I could go back to sleep again. Sometimes I wouldn’t get but maybe two, three hours at the most sleep all night long. [sic] I would toss and turn all night long.” (App. Vol. II at 316.) The only -9- other evidence of Pack’s ability or inability to sleep is found in Dr. Koduri’s medical notes. On July 8, 1994, in her initial consultation with Dr. Koduri, Pack complained of “decreased sleep with increased latency, moving frequently in her sleep, [and] not feeling fresh when waking up in the morning, . . ..” Id. at 529. On July 11, 1994, Dr. Koduri noted that Pack was “[s]till having significant problem with sleep, up until 2 or 3 in the morning.” Id. at 504. On July 22, 1994, Dr. Koduri noted Pack “says that she was feeling extremely drowsy, sleepy all the time.” Id. at 505. On July 29, 1994, Dr. Koduri noted Pack “doesn’t feel as drowsy as she used to, her sleep is getting better, and even her husband has commented on her improvement.” Id. at 506. On August 17, 1994, Dr. Koduri cut back Pack’s evening medication because it “makes her too sleepy.” Id. at 508. There are no further notations regarding sleep until November 21, 1994, when Dr. Koduri noted Pack had been having erratic sleep patterns and discussed with her the need for a structured sleep pattern. Id. at 517. Finally, on December 5, 1994, Dr. Koduri noted Pack’s “sleep is improving a little bit.” Id. at 518. While the evidence showed Pack had episodes of sleep disruption and/or waking without feeling rested during 1994 and January 1995, there is no indication that her sleep problems were severe, long term, or had a permanent impact.6 Additionally, Dr. Koduri was able to generally control Pack’s sleep problems with medication, even going too far in some instances, resulting in making her too sleepy or drowsy. See id. at 505 & 508. Pack failed to satisfy her burden to present evidence of her impairment and the extent to which the impairment limited her major life activity 6 We note that the EEOC agrees that “[s]leeping is not substantially limited just because an individual has some trouble getting to sleep or occasionally sleeps fitfully.” EEOC Guidance on Psychiatric Disabilities And the Americans With Disabilities Act, EEOC Compliance Manual (BNA) No. 59, at E-2 n.16 (Mar. 27, 1997). (App. Vol. II at 532.) - 10 - of sleeping. Therefore, the district court did not err in determining that Pack failed to show her depression substantially limited her in the major life activity of sleep.