Special Report: Pick Me Up Pill

We run here, fly there, have deadlines to meet, and kids to pick-up. Is it no wonder we're running low on steam?

Dr. Gary Zammit, Sleep Disorders Institute
"We know that people who are sleep deprived are not functioning at peak.Now a pill could potentially help us burn the candle at both ends and still feel good.

Dr. Sanford Auerbach, Sleep Disorders Unit, Boston Medical Center
"Based on the available information, it's relatively a very safe medication to use."

It's modafinil, marketed as Provigil. The FDA recently approved the drug to treat drowsiness due to sleep apnea, or working the overnight shift.

At first, modafinil was approved only to help people who suffer from narcolepsy, like Juliette Block.

Juliette Block, Narcoleptic
"It helps a lot and helps me get through the day, like anyone else could get through the day."

Modafinil has also been used successfully to treat ADHD, fatigue associated with depression, and even, jet lag.

Larry Freeman, Suffers from Jet Lag
"It helps. Sense of awareness is your probably more alert which is a big thing. I didn't see any of the typical side effects of nausea headaches or anything like that."

But it's not FDA approved to treat those conditions, which has some sleep experts wondering if the drug is being used excessively.

Dr. Sanford Auerbach, Sleep Disorders Unit, Boston Medical Center
"It cuts through the use of medications for medical reasons vs. lifestyle reasons, it does pose some interesting problems."

Doctors admit that modafinil is a lot safer than stimulants. It only effects a small part of the brain, the heart rate stays steady, and it's not addictive.

Dr. Daniel McNally, UConn Health Center
"It's a great drug for people who need it, who really need it. It makes their life much more livable."

Most Boston-area sleep experts we spoke with prescribe modafinil only for FDA approved uses. They're concerned it might be taken instead of getting a good night's rest.

Dr. Daniel McNally, UConn Health Center
"It's almost encouraging bad habits."

Dr. Sanford Auerbach, Sleep Disorders Unit, Boston Medical Center
"I don't think it should be used as a substitute for sleep."

So if jet lag, or sleep deprivation have got you down - one doc's prescription:

Dr. John Winkelman, Brigham and Womans Sleep Health Center
"I recommend good old fashioned caffeine."

Keeping you warm, cozy and awake, without popping a pill.

Modafinil's side effects include headache, nausea and nervousness.

For more information:

http://www.provigil.com