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Related Concept Videos

Narcolepsy01:07

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 Cycles01:24

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:
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
Autonomic Nervous System01:22

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Published on: June 19, 2019

Autonomic disturbances in narcolepsy.

Giuseppe Plazzi1, Keivan Kaveh Moghadam, Leonardo Serra Maggi

  • 1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna; Bologna, Italy. giuseppe.plazzi@unibo.it

Sleep Medicine Reviews
|July 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, significantly impacts the autonomic nervous system, affecting functions like heart rate and body temperature. This review highlights the link between narcolepsy and autonomic dysfunction, urging clinical monitoring.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

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09:06

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

Published on: December 22, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

  • Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
  • Patients with narcolepsy often report various complaints, including disrupted sleep, automatic behaviors, and weight gain.
  • Autonomic dysfunctions, such as pupillary abnormalities, fainting, and temperature regulation issues, are frequently observed in narcolepsy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions and clinical disturbances in narcolepsy.
  • To explore the potential role of hypocretin system alterations in narcolepsy-related autonomic pathophysiology.
  • To emphasize the clinical importance of monitoring autonomic functions in narcolepsy patients, especially concerning metabolic syndrome risks.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating autonomic functions in narcolepsy.
  • Analysis of reported autonomic disturbances, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and thermoregulatory findings.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking hypocretin deficiency to autonomic dysregulation in narcolepsy.

Main Results:

  • Evidence strongly suggests significant autonomic nervous system involvement in narcolepsy, particularly evident in metabolic and cardiovascular findings.
  • Narcolepsy patients exhibit a high risk for overweight and metabolic syndrome, underscoring the need for autonomic function monitoring.
  • Despite variability in study standardization, a consistent pattern of autonomic disturbances is observed.

Conclusions:

  • The autonomic nervous system is significantly implicated in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy.
  • Clinical monitoring for autonomic dysfunction and associated risks like metabolic syndrome is crucial for narcolepsy management.
  • Further research into the hypocretin system's role may elucidate mechanisms of autonomic dysregulation in narcolepsy.