New Sleep Molecule That Can Influence Insomnia and Narcolepsy Discovered

Sleep research has thoroughly explored that sleeping disorders, such as insomnia and narcolepsy, are triggered depending on the amount of sleep-regulating molecules called hypocretin.

Although this compound has been the focus in the past, a new study has discovered a new sleep molecule called microRNA-137 (miR-137).

New Sleep Molecule

(Photo : Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

In a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on April 22, researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aalborg University in Denmark discovered that miR-137 affects the cellular mechanisms that balance the level of hypocretin in the brain.

The study found that certain mutations in the newly discovered small molecule cause abnormal sleepiness during the daytime hours among mice and zebrafish.

The discovery of MiR-137 also revealed they are inherited, meaning a person can also inherit some abnormal sleep patterns if the said molecule is damaged in the genes of one or both parents.

Also Read: Belly Fat: New Study Reveals Sleep Deprivation Causes Abdominal Obesity

Importance to Sleep Research

The findings of the new molecules can allow researchers to develop diagnoses or methods for sleep disorders through genetic tests or genetic screening for these conditions.

There are already medications for sleep disorders such as Daridorexant¸ which is used to treat people with insomnia.

Known for its brand name Quviviq, the medicine targets the hypocretin receptors in the brain.

Scientists in subsequent studies could also further explore the biological and technical of the new sleep molecule, particularly on how to either mitigate or prevent any abnormalities.

Insomnia and Narcolepsy

Both insomnia and narcolepsy are sleep disorders.

However, there is a difference between them and can be compared with two health effects and vice-versa.

According to WebMD, insomnia pertains to a state or condition when an individual is finding it hard to sleep, making one feel tired the next day.

The disorder can be divided into two: short-term insomnia (acute) and long-term insomnia (chronic).

Acute insomnia can last from several days to weeks. This type of insomnia can be triggered by the stress of changes in one's regular schedule.

Meanwhile, chronic insomnia can occur at least three times a week and can last for over three months.

Most importantly, insomnia usually occurs if a person may have an excessive amount of hypocretin in his or her brain and across the body.

On the other hand, narcolepsy may be caused by a small amount of hypocretin in the body, leading to a state where the ability of a person to stay awake during the day is decreased.

Sleep Deprivation

Regardless if one falls subject to insomnia or narcolepsy, both sleep disorders can still disrupt the sleep pattern and sleep quality of an individual, which can lead to sleep deprivation.

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), sleep deprivation pertains to receiving less amount of sleep based on a person's age group.

For adults, the number of sleep hours ranges between seven to nine hours.

However, children and teenagers need more sleep.

Based on the NSF's definition, determining one's required amount of sleep is crucial since a lack of sleep can result in poor cognitive, mental, emotional, psychological, and even physical health.

Related Article: Sleep Deprivation Could Make the Brain Eat Itself, Increasing Risk of Alzheimer's