Narcolepsy is a clinical condition characterized mainly by excessive sleepiness and cataplexy. Hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis complete the narcoleptic tetrad; disrupted night sleep, automatic behaviors and weight gain are also usual complaints. Different studies focus on autonomic changes or dysfunctions among narcoleptic patients, such as pupillary abnormalities, fainting spells, erectile dysfunction, night sweats, gastric problems, low body temperature, systemic hypotension, dry mouth, heart palpitations, headache and extremities dysthermia. Even if many studies lack sufficient standardization or their results have not been replicated, a non-secondary involvement of the autonomic nervous system in narcolepsy is strongly suggested, mainly by metabolic and cardiovascular findings. Furthermore, the recent discovery of a high risk for overweight and for metabolic syndrome in narcoleptic patients represents an important warning for clinicians in order to monitor and follow them up for their autonomic functions. We review here studies on autonomic functions and clinical disturbances in narcoleptic patients, trying to shed light on the possible contribute of alterations of the hypocretin system in autonomic pathophysiology.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2010.05.002 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Trends in Prescription of Stimulants and Narcoleptic Drugs in Switzerland: Longitudinal Health Insurance Claims Analysis for the Years 2014-2021.
JMIR Public Health Surveill
January 2025
Centre of Sleep Medicine and Epileptology Barmelweid, Klinik Barmelweid AG, Aargau, Switzerland.
Background: Stimulants are potent treatments for central hypersomnolence disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders/attention deficit disorders but concerns have been raised about their potential negative consequences and their increasing prescription rates.
Objective: We aimed to describe stimulant prescription trends in Switzerland from 2014 to 2021. Second, we aimed to analyze the characteristics of individuals who received stimulant prescriptions in 2021 and investigate the link between stimulant prescriptions and hospitalization rates in 2021, using hospitalization as a potential indicator of adverse health outcomes.
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and sleep abnormalities in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Clin Auton Res
December 2024
Unité du Sommeil, Centre de Compétences Narcolepsie Et Hypersomnie Rare, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
Article Synopsis
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic condition linked to cognitive and behavioral issues, obesity, and sleep problems, which may also involve autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- A study investigated heart rate variability and autonomic function during sleep and standing in children with PWS, comparing results with age-matched controls, revealing significant impairment in heart rate responses and high rates of sleep apnea among the PWS group.
- Findings suggest decreased vagal modulation and possible sympathetic dysfunction in PWS children, which could increase their cardiovascular risks.
Article Synopsis
- Charles Fisher was a groundbreaking researcher in sleep medicine who made significant contributions in various areas of sleep study, particularly concerning REM sleep in narcoleptic patients.
- He was the first to document several key concepts, such as the effects of benzodiazepines on night terrors and the connection between REM sleep and sexual arousal.
- Collaborating with notable figures like William C. Dement, Fisher’s work laid a foundation for understanding sleep disorders, behaviors, and cycles, influencing the field well beyond his era.
Efficacy and safety of sodium oxybate treatment in adults with narcolepsy and cataplexy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sleep Breath
November 2024
Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt.
Article Synopsis
- Narcolepsy is a chronic condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, and sodium oxybate (SXB) has been identified as the only effective treatment for its symptoms.
- The study reviewed five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of SXB in reducing cataplexy attacks and improving wakefulness while also considering its safety by monitoring adverse events.
- Results showed that SXB significantly reduced weekly cataplexy attacks and improved outcomes on various tests compared to placebo, particularly at higher doses, indicating it is an effective treatment for managing narcolepsy symptoms with a reasonably safe profile.
Pharmacological inhibition of histamine N-methyltransferase extends wakefulness and suppresses cataplexy in a mouse model of narcolepsy.
Sleep
October 2024
Department of Neuropharmacology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan.
Histamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a predominant role in maintaining wakefulness. Further, our previous studies showed that histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT), a histamine-metabolising enzyme, is important for regulating brain histamine concentration. However, the effects of pharmacological HNMT inhibition on mouse behaviour, including the sleep-wake cycle and cataplexy, in a mouse model of narcolepsy have not yet been investigated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!