Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
05:59
High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: October 20, 2023
Low vitamin D in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Bertrand Carlander1, Anne Marie Puech-Cathala, Isabelle Jaussent
1Department of Neurology, Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Plos One
|June 3, 2011
Summary
Patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC) have lower vitamin D levels, indicating a higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency. Further research is needed to explore the role of hypovitaminosis D in narcolepsy development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC) is an autoimmune disorder potentially influenced by environmental factors.
- Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC).
Main Methods:
- Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in 51 European NC patients and 55 healthy controls.
- Demographic, clinical, and seasonal data were collected to control for confounding variables.
Main Results:
- NC patients exhibited significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to controls (p = 0.0039).
- Vitamin D deficiency (<75 nmol/l) was more prevalent in NC patients (72.5%) than in controls (50.9%) (p = 0.0238).
- Lower vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of NC, with an odds ratio of 5.34 for the lowest quartile (p = 0.0051).
Conclusions:
- A higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency was observed in patients with NC.
- Further studies are warranted to determine the contribution of hypovitaminosis D to narcolepsy risk and the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Narcolepsy
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.
01:24Sleep-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:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:19Management 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...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...