Effects of DSIP on narcolepsy.

Repeated injections of delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) were given to a 35-year-old male narcoleptic. Effects on wakefulness and sleep were evaluated by self-reports, performance tests, multiple sleep latency test and all-night polysomnography. DSIP reduced the frequency of sleep attacks and increased activity, alertness and performance during day-time. The sleep period was compressed by DSIP with enhancement of REM sleep. The results suggest that the effects are due to an accentuation of circadian and ultradian rhythms by DSIP.