People with narcolepsy tend to have extremely low levels of_____, a special class of neurotransmitters that are produced exclusively by neurons in the hypothalamus.

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People with narcolepsy have an autoimmune disorder that attacks the neurons in the hypothalamus that produce hypocretins/orexins. Hypocretins are involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles and maintaining wakefulness. Therefore, having extremely low levels of hypocretins can contribute to the symptoms of narcolepsy, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden bouts of sleep. Sodium oxybate and modafinil are medications used to treat narcolepsy, but they do not directly address the underlying hypocretin deficiency. Serotonin is not exclusively produced by neurons in the hypothalamus and is not directly involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles.

People with Narcolepsy Tend to Have Extremely Low Levels Of_____