Orexin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Orexin neurons increase the amount of time spent awake and decrease the time in non-REM and REM sleep. Another use of Orexin plays a significant role in controlling sleep and excitation, with orexin-producing neurons being more active during the day. These neuropeptides trigger other neurons to release dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Orexin-A increases food intake by delaying the onset of a behaviorally typical satiety sequence. On the other hand, a specific orexin-1 receptor antagonist reduces food intake while also speeding up the beginning of the usual satiety sequence. 

A study found that stimulating prefrontal cholinergic neurons released orexin from hypothalamic neurons. Increased orexin promotes the arousal state and executive processes via cortical cholinergic neurons. Ghrelin and hypoglycemia activate orexin-producing cells. These are blocked by leptin but activated by ghrelin.

Yes, orexins are also known as hypocretin brain chemicals that help to keep you alert and awake. There are billions of these neurons in the brain, but only one to two lakh of them produce orexins when awake. Orexins also ensure that rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep does not happen at inopportune periods. 

No, orexins help in controlling sleep and alertness. Orexin-producing neurons are most active during the day. These neuropeptides cause other neurons to release neurotransmitters that promote alertness and keep us awake. These include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Orexin neurons deliver excitatory input to wake-active neurons, which produces inhibitory feedback projections to orexin neurons. This mechanism is used to keep awake neurons active. A drop in the activity of wake-active neurons causes a less inhibitory impact on orexin neurons. The orexin-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus are essential for maintaining alertness and increasing excitation. 

Yes, orexin supplementation is a more advanced approach to narcolepsy treatment because it treats the fundamental cause of the disease rather than the symptoms only. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant rise in research on orexin supplementation as a treatment for sleep disorders. 

Caffeine stimulates orexin-positive neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. One of the study findings suggests that systemically administered caffeine stimulates orexin neurons more than non-orexin neurons. This activation is most pronounced in the perifornical area, where orexin neurons are most concentrated. Unsystematic administration of caffeine may not have stimulatory action. 

Orexin production can be boosted by eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut and pickles. Lactic acid generation can inhibit glucose production, which increases orexin production. According to research, increased glucose levels limit orexin production. When you eat fewer sugar and carbs as a precaution, the body has a better chance of producing more orexin.

If you are wondering about the efficacy and safety of orexin, it would be wise to consult with our doctors first. At Yashoda Hospitals, we have one of the best teams of skilled professionals and doctors with decades of experience, ready to solve any of your problems.