Genetic clues for narcoleptics
29/09/2008
New research could explain why some people do not need a mattress to doze off on but can fall asleep standing up!
Sufferers of narcolepsy experience intense drowsiness during the day, causing them to sometimes drift off during conversations or even in situations where they ought to be concentrating.
Now, researchers at the University of Tokyo have examined the genetic profiles of those experiencing the sleeping sickness, publishing their results through the journal Nature Genetics.
They found certain people are more susceptible to the illness due to their genetic make-up.
"We hope that the discovery of the present susceptibility gene(s) might contribute to the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches," the academics added.
Although these scientists were concerned for the wellbeing of those falling asleep standing up, doctors recently expressed worries over David Blaine and the likelihood that he would be unable to doze off upside down.
The celebrity illusionist recently spent 60 hours suspended upside down in New York''s Central Park, taking short breaks in order to relieve himself.
Speaking to the ABCNews network, Dr Ronald Ruden, the magician''s physician, said he was concerned for Blaine''s safety and astounded at how he manages to defy the basic human drives to eat and sleep.
