Orexin A

It seems scientists have discovered that snorting a nasal spray including a hormone called Orexin A "reversed the effects of sleep deprivation in monkeys, allowing them to perform like well-rested monkeys on cognitive tests." One of the researcher describes the effects as "relatively benign," which seems a bit menacing to me.

Comments

Cocaine already does the job nicely, thank you very much.

Posted by Petey | January 2, 2008 1:32 PM

So if we snort Orexin can we too perform like well-rested monkeys? How exciting!

Posted by right | January 2, 2008 1:34 PM

There's a Wubya joke in there, somewhere.

Posted by Shawn | January 2, 2008 1:49 PM

I suffer from sleep deprivation due to insomnia, teeth grinding, and severe sleep apnea (I'm blessed with the trifecta). There are plenty of days when it would be a stretch to perform like a well-rested monkey (6-10 cups of coffee gets you awake but not particularly productive).

I'm assuming that Matthew meant to say "side" effects were described as benign. Surprisingly, despite its ability to aleve(tm) sleep deprivation, I've also heard this med's sides were benign. But I always assume the side effects will vary enormously depending on the person. I know I'd give it a try; I'm not afraida no "effects". In fact, I've adopted the Edina Monsoon philosophy regarding medication,..., "I want total sensory deprivation AND back up drugs, you hear me??!!!"

Since Petey thinks this subject is funny, I'm going to go out and caucus for Obama (with Hill as #2) tomorrow night, just to piss him off. That is, if I can stay awake...

Posted by Rihilism | January 2, 2008 2:04 PM

I for one welcome our new monkey overlords, and look forward to many productive years fetching things for Dr. Zaius.

Posted by SMK | January 2, 2008 2:06 PM

This has a chance to be one of the Umbrella Corporation's biggest hits.

Posted by stoneyforest | January 2, 2008 2:10 PM

"Since Petey thinks this subject is funny, I'm going to go out and caucus for Obama (with Hill as #2) tomorrow night, just to piss him off. That is, if I can stay awake..."

Sleep, my pretty...

Posted by Petey | January 2, 2008 2:16 PM

I'm so looking forward to 100 hour work weeks.

Posted by julian | January 2, 2008 3:30 PM

Sleep is one of those crazy things--full sleep is only common pretty much only to land mammals and you die if you don't get it for long enough but we're completely sure what it does--that I would be worried about messing around with. If this drug works, though, this could really help the military, where soldiers must operate in highly stressful environments for long periods of time with very little sleep and the responsibility of using deadly force. Out of with the stimulants, in with the monkey drugs.

Posted by Ben | January 2, 2008 3:35 PM

... I've adopted the Edina Monsoon philosophy regarding medication,...

"I WANT THEM TO KILL ME!!!!"

(re: diet pills)

Posted by Thlayli | January 2, 2008 4:58 PM

Rihilism: Try "Fast Blast"

http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00235.html

Better than coffee. Take enough of that stuff and you'll stay awake for 24 hours and not notice.

And it's "all natural" - if you don't count the caffeine.

You can get it in capsule form, too.

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | January 3, 2008 12:14 AM