In what sounds like a dream for millions of tired coffee drinkers, Darpa-funded scientists might have found a drug that will eliminate sleepiness.

A nasal spray containing a naturally occurring brain hormone called orexin A reversed the effects of sleep deprivation in monkeys, allowing them to perform like well-rested monkeys on cognitive tests. The discovery’s first application will probably be in treatment of the severe sleep disorder narcolepsy. (…)

Orexin A is a promising candidate to become a “sleep replacement” drug. For decades, stimulants have been used to combat sleepiness, but they can be addictive and often have side effects, including raising blood pressure or causing mood swings. (…)

“New research indicates that not getting enough sleep is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders,” said Dr. Michael Twery, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. “We have to realize that we are already living in a society where we are already self-medicating with caffeine,” he said.

{ Wired | Continue reading }

photo { Square America }

READ MORE >> sleep, health | January 22nd, 2008