Narcolepsy serves as a prototype of how the interaction of high quality clinical research and groundbreaking basic science can collaborate to defne the cause of a disease and change forever how we evaluate and treat it. There is scarcely a topic in this book that would have been covered in the same way 10 years ago as it is d- cussed today. We are also fortunate that many of the players in this dramatic tu- around have contributed to this volume, so that the result is a tapestry of the events that have transformed the feld over the last decade that is both authentic and detailed. The frst section of the book provides much of the basic science background. As described in the frst two chapters, the dramatic convergence of lines of evidence from two different laboratories frst demonstrated in 1999 that narcolepsy is a disease of loss of neurotransmission by lateral hypothalamic neurons making the peptides that have been called orexins or hypocretins. These fndings did much to clarify and unify a feld that had puzzled for decades over the fundamental nature of this puzzling disease, as refected in the chapters that review its epidemiology and neuroanatomical and imaging fndings.

Julie Flygare was on an ambitious path to success, entering law school at age 22, when narcolepsy destroyed the neurological boundaries between dreaming and reality in her brain. She faced terrifying hallucinations, paralysis and excruciating sleepiness - aspects of dream sleep taking place while wide awake. Yet, narcolepsy was a wake-up call for Julie. Her illness propelled her onto a journey she never imagined - from lying paralyzed on her apartment floor to dancing euphorically at a nightclub; from the classrooms of Harvard Medical School to the start line of the Boston Marathon. Wide Awake and Dreaming is a revealing first-hand account of dreams gone wrong with narcolepsy. It's the brave story of one woman trampling over barriers and finding light in the darkest of circumstances.

A book about narcolepsy, a little-known neurological sleep disorder, characterized primarily by excessive daytime sleepiness & cataplexy. Written in layman's terms, it gives accurate up-to- date facts about all aspects of the disorder. The author also shares her personal experiences, telling how she has coped with all the symptoms for over 30 years. Interesting facts combined with a sense of humor & amusing stories provide easy reading. The comprehensiveness & organization of the book make it an excellent reference source for people with narcolepsy & their families, health care professionals & the general public. M. J. Utley is on the Board of Trustees for Narcolepsy Network, Inc. & serves as the editor of their newsletter. What doctors in Sleep Medicine have to say about the book: "This book fills a yawning gap. It is warm & wise."--Charles P. Pollak, M.D. "Mrs. Utley provides an amusing, interesting & needed introduction to the fascinating world of narcolepsy."--James G. Minard, Ph.D. "Awesome,"--Gila Lindsley, Ph.D., A.C.P. Order from: M.J. Utley, P.O. Box 1923, DeSoto, TX 75123-1923; FAX: (214) 223-6696.

The orexin system, discovered in 1998, has emerged as a crucial player in regulating the sleep and wake balance inside our brain. This discovery has sparked a burst of novel and dynamic research on the physiology and pathology of sleep. The Orexin System: Basic Science and Role in Sleep Pathology honors this research and the authors share their ideas and perspectives on the novel developments within the field. The book examines the intricate role of the orexin system in regulating sleep and wake, and its interaction with other wake-regulating systems. The orexin system is dissected at the cellular and molecular level to explore the diversity of the orexin-producing neurons, their projections, and their signaling pathways. Additionally, the book discusses the diseases which are associated with a dysfunctional orexin system, such as narcolepsy, insomnia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer’s disease, and explores the new potential therapeutic applications derived from the burst of research around this fascinating system. This publication is essential reading for neurobiologists, neurologists, psychopharmacologists, sleep researchers, and other researchers and clinical scientists interested in sleep, sleep research, insomnia, and medicine in general.

This comprehensive resource covers the current thoughts and trends on narcolepsy, as well as cutting-edge evidence-based research. Updates from the previous edition include advances in diagnostic guidelines, treatments, protocols and clinical and psychosocial considerations. Aspects of narcolepsy relating to sleep medicine, neurology, psychiatry and public health are featured throughout the text. Narcolepsy, 2nd Edition provides clinicians and allied health professionals with patient management modalities, clinical and quality of life issues and best practices for health care delivery.

Master the basics of sleep medicine with this easy to read, award-winning text! Fundamentals of Sleep Medicine, 2nd Edition, by Drs. Richard B. Berry, Mary H. Wagner, and Scott M. Ryals, is an ideal resource for sleep medicine fellows and trainees, sleep technicians, and sleep medicine practitioners as a concise, clinically focused alternative to larger references. Beginning with core content, it then proceeds to information useful for everyday practice—all written in a clear, direct style designed for quick and easy access. Features video content that demonstrates common sleep disorders. Includes more than 350 updated multiple-choice questions and answers for self-assessment and board preparation. New! Offers concise Key Points at the end of each chapter, expanding on information from Drs. Berry and Wagner’s popular book Sleep Medicine Pearls to enhance your understanding. Provides updated references to AASM scoring guidelines and diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders. Illustrated with numerous diagrams, charts, and polysomnograms (sleep studies) to clarify complex concepts. Any additional digital ancillary content may publish up to 6 weeks following the publication date.

The field of narcolepsy has developed enormously within the last 10 years. Indeed the understanding of the basics of sleep-wake regulation and the discovery of new neurotransmitter systems (the hypocretins) has boosted research and key findings in the field, providing important insights into how sleep is regulated. Consequently narcolepsy now receives a great deal of attention from both clinicians and scientists throughout the world. Narcolepsy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment not only offers an engaging and comprehensive treatment of a fascinating disorder but also includes a DVD that offers a unique and large collection of movies displaying the symptoms of narcolepsy in people and animals. Written by some of the best experts in the field, the book focuses on the pathophysiology of the problem and also provides critical, up-to-date insights on the key clinical issues: how to diagnose the disorder, how to treat it, and how to best manage psychosocial problems. The first and only guide to span the latest advances in narcolepsy, this reference provides sections in etiology, neurochemistry, the role of the hypocretins in sleep-wake regulation, animal models in narcolepsy, the key role of the hypothalamus, REM-sleep dysregulation, diagnosis and classification, and treatment. Compiled by an international group of more than 30 authors, Narcolepsy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment is an indispensable resource for all clinicians and scientists with an interest in narcolepsy.