Motivation/Orexin
Would anyone else claim that a lack of motivation is a prime symptoms of having T1N? I also have ADHD which would account for much rhe same symptoms but as I understand it orexin controls dopamine release in the reward mechanism, with no orexin the mechanism is never triggered. I heard it referred to as the 'ignition' chemical. Without it the symptoms of ADHD are magnified massively. I always classed my ADHD symptoms as being more problematic than my narcoleptic symptoms, but now I am realising having both is a perfect storm, T1N barely ever allows the reward process to be triggered and when it does somehow get triggered, my ADHD sees off the attempt. I also suffer from disregulated appetite and thirst/ my interopception sense is extremely lacking. I only use the toilet twice a day because I don't drink all day. I feel like health professionals focus solely on EDS and cataplexy without ever acknowledging the ra ge of problems caused by a lack of orexin. What are your experiences?
Posted Dec 9, 2025, 9:33 AM UTC