Narcolepsy Press Releases

Scientists studying an animal model of narcolepsy have found that histamine-activated brain cells are key to wakefulness. The findings help to show why antihistamines, commonly used to treat colds and allergies, cause drowsiness and impair alertness.
Fact Sheet

Scientists studying an animal model of narcolepsy have found that histamine-activated brain cells are key to wakefulness. The findings help to show why antihistamines, commonly used to treat colds and allergies, cause drowsiness and impair alertness.
Fact Sheet

After a decade-long search, a Stanford-led team has identified a gene that causes the sleep disorder narcolepsy -- a breakthrough that brings a cure for this disabling condition within reach, the scientists say.

Scientists believe they may have identified the cause of the debilitating sleep disorder narcolepsy in humans. A new study shows a dramatic reduction — up to 95 percent — in the number of neurons containing a substance called hypocretins in the brains of people with narcolepsy compared to control brains. Hypocretin peptides are neurotransmitters that play an important role in regulating sleep and appetite. The researchers hypothesize that the pronounced loss of these neurons could be caused either by a neurodegenerative process or an autoimmune response.
Fact Sheet

Scientists believe they may have identified the cause of the debilitating sleep disorder narcolepsy in humans. A new study shows a dramatic reduction — up to 95 percent — in the number of neurons containing a substance called hypocretins in the brains of people with narcolepsy compared to control brains. Hypocretin peptides are neurotransmitters that play an important role in regulating sleep and appetite. The researchers hypothesize that the pronounced loss of these neurons could be caused either by a neurodegenerative process or an autoimmune response.
Fact Sheet

After a decade-long search, a Stanford-led team has identified a gene that causes the sleep disorder narcolepsy -- a breakthrough that brings a cure for this disabling condition within reach, the scientists say.