The Lullaby Trust is aware of the role of orexin (or hypocretin) in sleep disorders and this has been an area of research interest for some time. This study is based on a relatively small sample population. At this stage we therefore remain cautious to the suggestion that this is a “breakthrough” and a blood screening test is imminent. The role of hypocretin and SIDS is an important topic for future research and this will be considered by our Scientific Committee moving forward. In the meantime, we encourage parents to follow our safer sleep advice to reduce the chance of SIDS.
The Lullaby Trust's response to Australian study on orexin and SIDS
Our stance on current research on the role of orexin in sleep disorders