Stevi works as an English teacher and a painter specializing in nude portraits. Mahdi, 27, is from Tehran, Iran. Their relationship began when Stevi taught Mahdi English online. After a brief in-person meeting in Turkey, they became engaged. Stevi filed for a K-1 visa, bringing Mahdi to the U.S. to marry her.

Differences in gender roles and lifestyle often led to misunderstandings between Stevi and Mahdi, while their 10-year age gap brought tension around maturity and future plans. Even though Stevi taught Mahdi English, communication has remained a challenge. Mahdi has been struggling to understand Stevi’s fluid sexuality, which is foreign to his conservative upbringing. On top of all this, the ticking clock of Mahdi’s K-1 visa has forced them to face the pressure of marrying within 90 days, putting their compatibility and commitment to the ultimate test.

90 Day Fiancé Fans Wondered If Stevi Had Narcolepsy

Did Stevi's Bridge Fear Point to Narcolepsy?

Back in February 2025, Reddit Frequent_Sir6124 had asked fellow Redditors if Stevi had narcolepsy. They revealed they had sleep disorders, which were being tested and treated for idiopathic hypersomnia or possibly narcolepsy. As per the fan, some of the things that Stevi described sounded a lot like narcolepsy. They wondered if Stevi had shared more about her sleep troubles. They were referring to some of the “quirks” that Stevi mentioned in 90 Day Fiancé season 11 episode 2. The fan seemed to be talking about Stevi, describing her fear of bridges.

Stevi had to drive over a huge bridge from Hattiesburg to New Orleans. The bridge went over water and swampland. Stevi said she never drove over the bridge, and going over it “was a lot” for her. It made her feel anxious and nauseous, and she was sure the nervousness of meeting Mahdi at the airport was not a good feeling to have while driving over the bridge. Stevi was feeling sick as the cameras recorded her driving over the bridge. The fan didn’t know that they were right about the diagnosis.

Stevi Confirmed She Has Narcolepsy

How Stevi Manages Life with Type One Narcolepsy

In May 2025, Stevi posted on Instagram with the caption, “They say I’m full of secrets… here is one more.” She explained she wanted to be open and honest with her followers and those who her on the show. Stevi revealed that she has type one narcolepsy, which she described as making her exhausted and sometimes causing her body to suddenly shut down or take an unexpected break. She also shared that she experiences cataplexy, a symptom that causes her muscles to weaken when she feels strong emotions like laughing, excitement, or even being surprised, often without warning.

“Your muscles can go weak and this can last for just a little while.”

Stevi stays conscious during these episodes, but her body temporarily shuts down, like her brain and body aren’t communicating properly. She was diagnosed with type one narcolepsy in her early 30s after undergoing a sleep study. Looking back, she thinks people found her “a little odd” because of her unusual sleep patterns. She often fell asleep at inappropriate times, experienced night terrors, and suffered from extreme exhaustion. Despite this, others would tell her to just sleep more at night or suggest she was depressed. Stevi shared that Mahdi understands her condition and knows that she’s “like this.”

What Stevi's Medical Condition Means For Her Future With Mahdi

The Impact Of Narcolepsy on Stevi & Mahdi’s Relationship

According to FallingAsleep, Narcolepsy can significantly impact relationships, leading to emotional and practical challenges. Individuals with narcolepsy often experience feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, which can strain social connections. Symptoms like cataplexy and sleep attacks may occur during intimate moments, potentially causing embarrassment or misunderstandings between partners. Mood swings, altered sleep cycles, and medication side effects can further complicate emotional dynamics within relationships. Additionally, the condition's unpredictability may lead to frustrations and adjustments in daily routines. Open communication, education about the disorder, and mutual are essential for maintaining healthy relationships despite these challenges.

Stevia’s narcolepsy has made things more complicated in her relationship with Mahdi on 90 Day Fiancé. Mahdi knows about her condition, but it still affects how they connect. Stevi often feels very tired or shuts down during conversations, which can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. Her narcolepsy might also make it harder for her to talk about personal things, like her sexuality, which has caused some tension. Even with these challenges, Mahdi’s and understanding are really important as they try to build a strong relationship together.

90 Day Fiancé airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.

Source: u/Frequent_Sir6124/Reddit, Stevi Nichole/Instagram, FallingAsleep