pubmed-article:15627867 | pubmed:abstractText | Orexin-A, also known as hypocretin, is a neuropeptide implicated in appetite and sleep regulation. Because the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by obesity and excessive daytime sleepiness, we hypothesized that orexin-A levels may be abnormal in patients with OSAS. Further, since treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with OSAS is very effective in normalizing daytime sleepiness, we also hypothesized that the chronic use of CPAP may influence plasma levels of orexin-A in these patients. | lld:pubmed |