Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1) for Sleep
Hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating wakefulness; intranasal investigation for narcolepsy.
Why Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1) for sleep?
Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a 33-aa hypothalamic neuropeptide central to wakefulness; loss of orexin neurons causes narcolepsy type 1. Intranasal orexin-A has been studied as a replacement therapy in narcolepsy and for cognitive arousal in sleep deprivation (Baier et al., 2008). Small-molecule orexin agonists (e.g. TAK-861, Takeda) are in late-stage trials.
Sleep context: Modulating sleep architecture, slow-wave sleep depth, and circadian regulation. Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1) fits this goal because its category (Sleep) and benefit profile align with the underlying mechanism.
Benefits relevant to sleep
- Promotes wakefulness
- Investigated in narcolepsy type 1
- Potential cognitive arousal
Reference dosing by bodyweight
Anchored to the most-cited research dose (250 mcg @ 75 kg). Reference only.
| Bodyweight band | Reference dose range |
|---|---|
| <60 kg / <132 lb | 156–211 mcg |
| 60–75 kg / 132–165 lb | 191–259 mcg |
| 75–90 kg / 165–198 lb | 234–316 mcg |
| 90–105 kg / 198–231 lb | 276–374 mcg |
| >105 kg / >231 lb | 319–431 mcg |
Side effects to weigh against sleep benefit
- Insomnia if mistimed
- Tachycardia (theoretical)
- Limited approved use
Also researched for
Educational use only
This calculator is provided for research and educational purposes. Outputs are derived from the values you enter. Always verify your math and consult a licensed physician before acting on any result.