A peptide produced by the brain to ward off the effects of fatigue could be the key to combating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. Noting that normal levels of orexin-A often fail to ward off the powerful influence of sleep cycles, the researchers studied the effect of giving doses of the peptide to a group of sleep-deprived monkeys. The treated monkeys were able to perform their regular activities and brain images revealed a normal pattern of brain activity, despite being kept awake for 30 to 36 hours. Orexin-A can be delivered by an IV-drip or a nasal spray, though the researchers noted that the nasal spray appeared to work better. The research may ultimately help people who routinely experience sleep deprivation.
- check out the report from Health Day