Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

Management of Insomnia

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...

Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

Nursing management of dysrhythmias involves the following:AssessmentSubjective Assessment:The initial step involves gathering patient-reported symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and chest discomfort. It is crucial to collect a detailed history, including previous heart conditions, current medication use, and lifestyle factors like caffeine and alcohol consumption.Objective Assessment:This involves observing clinical signs such as jugular venous distention, cool and pale skin, and...

Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview

Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview

Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Retraction Note: Telmisartan Ameliorates Astroglial and Dopaminergic Functions in a Mouse Model of Chronic Parkinsonism.

Neurotoxicity research·2025

Same author

Restless Legs Syndrome in Adult Primary Care.

Cureus·2025

Same author

Association of TCF7L2 genetic variants rs12255372 and rs7903146 with the polycystic ovary syndrome risk: systemic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of ovarian research·2025

Same author

Non-CPAP Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults.

Missouri medicine·2024

Same author

Insomnia in Adults in the Primary Care Clinic Setting.

Missouri medicine·2024

Same author

Home Sleep Apnea Testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Missouri medicine·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: October 20, 2023

Management of narcolepsy.

Abid Bhat¹, Ali A El Solh

¹Hospital Hill, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy

|June 24, 2008

Summary

Narcolepsy treatment has evolved beyond traditional stimulants. Newer medications like modafinil, antidepressants, and sodium oxybate now effectively manage narcolepsy symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Sleep Medicine
Pharmacology

Background:

Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic neurological disorder impacting sleep patterns.
Key symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and disturbed sleep.
The condition can be debilitating, affecting psychosocial functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current therapeutic strategies for narcolepsy.
To provide an overview of narcolepsy treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature search of major biomedical databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library).
Inclusion of various study types: research articles, reviews, case reports, and textbook chapters.
Manual cross-referencing of extracted literature from 1966 to January 2008.

More Related Videos

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster

Published on: October 20, 2023

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Main Results:

Stimulants were historically the primary treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness.
Recent advancements include modafinil for daytime sleepiness.
Newer antidepressants and sodium oxybate offer improved management for cataplexy and sleepiness.

Conclusions:

Narcolepsy management has advanced with novel pharmacological options.
Modafinil, newer antidepressants, and sodium oxybate represent a significant evolution in narcolepsy symptom control.
Current treatment focuses on comprehensive symptom management due to the lack of a cure.