Narcolepsy: Identifying its Causes and Assessing Novel Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Narcolepsy is a dysfunction of the orexin neurons commonly associated with excessive sleepiness and cataplexy, which is characterized by the abrupt loss of muscle control. Two types of narcolepsy exist. Type 1 narcolepsy is narcolepsy with cataplexy, while Type 2 narcolepsy is associated with the same drowsiness as Type 1 narcolepsy, but no cataplexy is observed. There has been substantial research into the causes and development of narcolepsy, with current hypotheses focusing on both genetic expression and competition, as well as dysfunction in the hypocretin (HCRT) system. Orexin neuropeptides within this system regulate the sleep-wake cycle; therefore, abnormal production of these peptides may lead to narcolepsy. The aim of this paper is to examine the mechanisms underlying narcolepsy in order to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current and emerging treatments.