Grant: Operating Grant

Narcolepsy is a debilitating sleep disorder that can impair a person's ability to socialize, work, and drive safely. The symptoms of narcolepsy include relentless sleepiness, disturbed sleep, inability to move after waking-up (sleep paralysis) and vivid dream-like hallucinations while falling asleep (hypnagogic hallucinations). But, the most intriguing and bizarre symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy - the sudden uncontrollable onset of muscle paralysis or weakness during otherwise normal wakefulness. Cataplexy is debilitating because it leaves the affected individual awake, but either fully or partially paralyzed. The cause of cataplexy is unknown, but is thought to result from the same process that causes muscles to relax while asleep. Cataplexy can occur spontaneously, but is usually triggered by positive emotions such as laughter or delight. Even though the link between positive emotions and cataplexy was identified 130 years ago, the processes by which emotions trigger muscle paralysis is unknown. This research is important because it aims to understand how the brain causes cataplexy. It is carried out in genetically engineered mice that exhibit all the symptoms of human narcolepsy, including cataplexy. This research will identify the brain regions and brain cells that cause cataplexy. Results from this research will be used to develop better treatments for cataplexy and hopefully discover a cure for narcolepsy.