Can a Nasal Spray Replace Sleep?

by WiredBerries Editors — January 11, 2008

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) scientists have found a drug that eliminates sleepiness with a nasal spray of a key brain hormone. The spray has worked well in lab experiments, with no apparent side effects. The hope is that the hormone will serve as a promising sleep-replacement drug in humans.

The spray contains a naturally occurring brain hormone called orexin A. DARPA is no doubt interested in the spray for it's promise of keeping soldiers awake and alert during battle, but for those suffering from narcolepsy, the discovery may offer a potential treatment. But even those with less severe sleep disorders may be interested. Who hasn't wished they could instantly feel perky without the nasty side-effects of too much caffeine?

The concoction is "a totally new route for increasing arousal, and the new study shows it to be relatively benign," said Jerome Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA and a co-author of the paper. "It reduces sleepiness without causing edginess."

This interesting research that might someday act as a pick-me-up, but don't plan on it replacing good old-fashion sleep anytime soon.