Studies show that individuals with narcolepsy lack cells in the hypothalamus that secrete a neurotransmitter ________, which promotes wakefulness.

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Individuals with narcolepsy lack cells in the hypothalamus that secrete hypocretin, also known as orexin. Hypocretin promotes wakefulness and regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The lack of hypocretin is believed to be responsible for the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy that are characteristic of narcolepsy.

Studies Show That Individuals with Narcolepsy Lack Cells in the Hypothalamus