The invention provides methods of screening for a compound for promoting wakefulness
in a mammal. The method is practiced by providing a compound that is a PrRP receptor
agonist and determining the ability of the compound to promote wakefulness. Also
provided by the invention are methods of screening for a compound for promoting
sleep in a mammal. The methods are practiced by providing a compound that is a
PrRP receptor antagonist and determining the ability of the compound to promote
sleep. In addition, the invention provides a method of promoting wakefulness in
a mammal. The method is practiced by administering to a mammal an effective amount
of a PrRP receptor agonist. The invention further provides a method of promoting
sleep in a mammal. The method is practiced by administering to a mammal an effective
amount of a PrRP receptor antagonist.
