PWP also lose orexin cells in their hypothalamus.

It may be the orexin function(alertness) that nicotine stimulates/mimics.


Nicotine Up-Regulates Expression of Orexin and Its Receptors in Rat Brain

Activation of orexin neurons by acute nicotine

Hypocretin and Nicotine Excite the Same Thalamocortical Synapses in Prefrontal Cortex: Correlation with Improved Attention in Rat