Neurochemical perspectives of the narcoleptic syndrome

Narcolepsy has been defined as a disorder of excessive sleep often associated with cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Although the pathophysiology of the narcoleptic syndrome is not well understood, derangement in the functions of CNS catecholamines and serotonin (5-HT) have been implicated. In the present paper we summarize evidence to suggest a role for the endogenous opioids in the regulation of normal sleep and in the pathophysiology of the narcoleptic syndrome.