Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a hypothalamic neuropeptide important for mediation of
arousal and sleep as well as feeding and energy homeostasis. Recent studies have
indicated that orexin also plays a key role regulating motivation and reward associated with
food intake and with drugs of abuse. Based on those findings, it has been hypothesized that
orexin is involved in control of other natural reward behaviors. This review will summarize
studies that examine the role of orexin in motivation and reward associated with food intake …