Effects of various pharmacological treatments on sleep
For this Sleep Science Friday, we’re diving into another insightful chapter from the ESRS Sleep Medicine Textbook 2nd edition, “Effects of various pharmacological treatments on sleep” from the section Physiological Basis of Sleep.
Effects of various pharmacological treatments on sleep
This chapter provides a deep dive into the intricate mechanisms governing sleep and wakefulness, which are orchestrated by multiple neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neural pathways impacting nearly all functions of the brain and body.
The intricate balance of these physiological processes is crucial for maintaining healthy sleep-wake cycles. Disruptions in these networks can lead to disturbances in sleep quality, prompting the use of pharmacological treatments aimed at restoring normal sleep patterns. However, these interventions can sometimes inadvertently prolong wakefulness or induce insomnia, highlighting the complexities involved in managing sleep disorders through medication.
Sleep disturbances are also prevalent among patients with psychiatric and medical conditions. While pharmacotherapy for these conditions can alleviate sleep-related symptoms, it often introduces additional complexities by influencing sleep and wakefulness in unintended ways. Factors such as the specific site of drug action, dosage, treatment duration, and pharmacokinetic properties all play critical roles in determining the overall impact of medications on sleep quality.
The chapter begins by providing a foundational overview of the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry underlying sleep-wake regulation, laying the groundwork for understanding how different classes of medications exert their effects on sleep and waking functions.
Afterwards, the desired and undesired actions of various classes of medications and drugs on sleep and waking quality are summarized.
Given the importance of good quality sleep for general health, understanding the intricate interactions between sleep-wake regulation, disease states, and pharmacological mechanisms is essential for providing optimal, patient-centered care. By tailoring treatment strategies based on these insights, healthcare providers can effectively support overall health by enhancing sleep quality and promoting comprehensive well-being.
Keywords:
daytime sleepiness, insomnia, pharmacotherapy, sedation, sleep-wake neurotransmitter systems, unwanted pharmacological effects
Key Points:
- Complex interactions among neurotransmitter systems regulate sleep-wake cycles and transitions.
- Pharmacological treatments affect multiple pathways in these regulatory circuits.
- Both prescription and non-prescription medications acting on the central nervous system can alter sleep and daytime functioning.
- … you can read all key points and the full A.11 Effects of various pharmacological treatments on sleep chapter in the ESRS Sleep Medicine Textbook – order it here.
Chapter written by:
Hans-Peter Landol and Esther Werth
Recent publications from ESRS members
- Muñiz-Castrillo et al (2024), HLA-DR3 ~ DQ2 associates with sensory neuropathy in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes with Hu antibodies. J Neurol.
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- Briançon-Marjollet et al (2024), Long-term incident severe outcomes in a prospective cohort of non-obese obstructive sleep apnoea patients free of comorbidities at inclusion. ERJ Open Res.
- Luppi et al (2024), Neuronal network controlling REM sleep. J Sleep Res.
- Mogavero et al (2024), Large muscle group movements during sleep in restless leg syndrome: neurophysiological and clinical implications. Sleep.
- Aktan et al (2024), Analysis of large-muscle movements in the diagnosis of possible restless sleep disorder in adult population. Sleep.