Orexins, Sleep, and Blood Pressure

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThe aim of this review was to summarize collected data on the role of orexin and orexin neurons in the control of sleep and blood pressure.Recent FindingsAlthough orexins (hypocretins) have been known for only 20 years, an impressive amount of data is now available regarding their physiological role. Hypothalamic orexin neurons are responsible for the control of food intake and energy expenditure, motivation, circadian rhythm of sleep and wake, memory, cognitive functions, and the cardiovascular system. Multiple studies show that orexinergic stimulation results in increased blood pressure and heart rate and that this effect may be efficiently attenuated by orexinergic antagonism. Increased activity of orexinergic neurons is also observed in animal models of hypertension.SummaryPharmacological intervention in the orexinergic system is now one of the therapeutic possibilities in insomnia. Although the role of orexin in the control of blood pressure is well described, we are still lacking clinical evidence that this is a possibility for a new approach in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Blue Light Exposure Improving Cognitive Function by Increasing Serum Orexin Level in Shift Working Nurse at Sanglah Central Hospital Denpasar

“…The results of this study indicate an increase in orexin levels and cognitive function scores after exposure to blue light, as in previous studies in animals that obtained results that orexin has a role in influencing cognitive function and regulation of blood pressure [19]. Orexin is known to play a role in increasing attention, alertness, and appetite and has an excitatory effect on arousal centers, which aims to maintain the quality of wakefulness [17], [18], [19], [20]. Changes in work professional sleep patterns using a rotational system are known to affect the frontal and prefrontal systems, affecting intellectual ability, working memory, and the ability to respond to a problem [21].…”

“…Orexin and orexin receptors in the body are affected by food intake and the orexin system as a whole is activated by starvation and its activity will decrease when a person feels too full [17], [18]. The results of this study indicate an increase in orexin levels and cognitive function scores after exposure to blue light, as in previous studies in animals that obtained results that orexin has a role in influencing cognitive function and regulation of blood pressure [19]. Orexin is known to play a role in increasing attention, alertness, and appetite and has an excitatory effect on arousal centers, which aims to maintain the quality of wakefulness [17], [18], [19], [20].…”

Sleep disturbances and the speed of multimorbidity development in old age: results from a longitudinal population-based study

“…These mechanisms may also impact serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating sleep-wake states, and also regulates mood and tends to be depleted in depression, representing an important component in the pathophysiology of the disorder [55][56][57]. Another potential mechanism may be through the neuropeptide orexin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and the circadian rhythm and plays a role in cognitive function and the cardiovascular system [58]. Orexin receptor antagonists have been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects for the treatment of insomnia [59].…”

Unhealthy eating habits around sleep and sleep duration: To eat or fast?

“…Studies concerning the effect of LNDE on sleep are limited and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. LNDE can deteriorate circadian rhythms and the secretion of leptin, peptide-YY, melatonin, orexins, and ghrelin[ 38 - 41 ]. LNDE, which can result in sleep with a full stomach, may cause gastroesophageal reflux disease[ 42 , 43 ] and reduced diet-induced thermogenesis[ 38 , 44 ], both of which reduce the quality of sleep.…”