Insomniacs can breath a sigh of relief as scientist have found out new ways to deal with insomnia. Researchers studying a disease that causes people to suddenly fall off to sleep are trying to turn what they have learned into a new way to help insomniacs get some shut-eye. According to a paper in Sunday's online issue of the journal Nature Medicine- Researchers found that blocking brain receptors for orexin, a blood peptide, promoted sleep in rats, dogs and people. Orexin (hypocretin) is important in maintaining wakefulness. It is missing in the brains of people who experience narcolepsy, a chronic disorder in which people cannot regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. The research team, led by Francois Jenck of the Swiss drug company Actelion Pharmaceuticals, developed a drug that can block the receptors in the brain that respond to orexin-hypocretin. The researchers reported successful testing in rodents, dogs and men. Researchers hope to decide this year whether to conduct a phase-three study, a detailed assessment of the drug that would be the final step before seeking U.S. government approval for its use. Dr. Thomas Scammell, professor of neurology at Harvard University, said the work was "promising, with a certain amount of caution. I think it may be the beginning of something quite exciting."

Scammell said the drug may work for people who do not tolerate current sleeping pills well. But he said there are concerns that blocking orexin could cause a problem in the brain that is similar to narcolepsy.
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