Schierenbeck T, Riemann D, Berger M, & Hornyak M. (2008) Effect of illicit recreational drugs upon sleep: cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana. Sleep medicine reviews, 12(5), 381-9. PMID: 18313952 Effect of illicit recreational drugs upon sleep: cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana.
Cocaine, Cannabis and Sleep Architecture
Posted by admin 71 days ago (http://brainposts.blogspot.com)
By Hannah Dunbar(Brain Post Note: Hannah Dunbar is a summer research student who attends Oral Roberts University. She is providing some guest posts on her topic of interest--sleep in bipolar disorder). Bipolar disorder commonly is complicated by concurrent illicit substance abuse. Since drugs of abuse have their own effects on sleep it is important to understand these effects. We will review the effects of cocaine and cannabis on sleep. Sleep effects of drugs may be quite different during acute compared to chronic administration. This post will summarize some of the finds from a review of illicit drugs and sleep published by Schierenbeck and colleagues from Germany.Acute Cocaine Administration:The competitive inhibition of presynaptic dopamine transporters in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, was found to cause an increase in dopamine levels, and has been proposed to constitute the primary neurophysiological equivalent of central cocaine effects. The subjective effects described in cocaine users are euphoria, orgiastic feelings, restlessness, motor activation and increased alertness. Trouble sleeping has also been frequently cited as an adverse effect of cocaine intake. PSG studies have indicated the following disturbances in sleep due to acute cocaine administration.Adverse effects on sleep during acute administration:Increase sleep latencyReduced total sleep timeAnd a decrease in total REM sleep timeNote: These effects were found to resemble that of psychostimulants such as amphetamine, indicating an increase in energy and cognitive hyperactivity.Cocaine Withdrawal Effects on Sleep: During withdrawal, cocaine-dependent individuals commonly experience many of the following adverse effects:Adverse effects on sleep during withdrawal:Reduction of total sleep time found to be equivalent to untreated chronic insomniacs.Increased sleep onset latency.Decrease REM latencyIncreased REM sleep percentageAnd increased dreamingMarijuana and sleep effects: The cannabis plant from which over 60 cannabinoids are derived, contains ?-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main constituent responsible for the psychotropic effects of marijuana. These psychotropic effects are mediated mostly by cannabinoid CB1-receptors, which can be found in high concentrations in the frontal cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia. CB1-receptors activate a variety of signal transduction pathways and interact with numerous neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Acute subjective effects of marijuana are highly variable and differ based on the individual and condition. Though often marijuana induces talkativeness, intensification of sensory experiences, mild euphoria, difficulty concentrating, altered time perception, relaxation and drowsiness. No significant correlations were detected between marijuana use and differences found in sleep stages 1 & 2. Though, during acute administration of THC, consistent data indicating a decline in both total REM sleep and REM sleep density was found. It was also found that the combination of THC with cannabidiol, an importance non-psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, lead to an increase in wakefulness compared to THC alone.Effects on sleep in drug naive subjects during acute administration include:Decreased sleep onset latencyIncrease in slow wave sleep (may decrease with chronic administration)Decrease in total REM sleep and REM sleep densityPolysomnography studies of chronic marijuana administration have suggested that some tolareance to REM sleep effects may be less pronounced, but evidence is conflicting. Though studies have indicated that the desirable effects of marijuana upon sleep are reported less frequently after years of use compared to initial ratings of quality of sleep.Marijuana withdrawal sleep effects: Anger, irritability, anxiety and nervousness, restlessness, weight loss, sleep difficulty and strange dreams are frequently reported effects of marijuana withdrawal. Though less common effects include: chills, depressed mood, shakiness, stomach pain and sweating. Difficulty in sleeping and strange dreams have been reported with high cross-study reliability. They are generally conducted within a 24-72 h period of discontinuation of marijuana use and persist for 6-7 weeks. Resumption of marijuana use attenuates sleep disturbances.Adverse effects on sleep during withdrawal period:Sleep onset latencyTotal SWS reductionIncrease in REM sleep time (Note: This increase in REM sleep has been correlated to an increase in “strange dreams”) Brain Posts Note: This published review found very little research on the effects of cannabis on sleep after a flurry of activity in the 1970s. There is certainly much more that needs to be done in this area. The decrease in research may be related to some of the difficulties is studying illicit drugs in drug naive human populations. Photo of Lake Itasca Sunset Courtesy of Yates PhotographySchierenbeck T, Riemann D, Berger M, & Hornyak M (2008). Effect of illicit recreational drugs upon sleep: cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana. Sleep medicine reviews, 12 (5), 381-9 PMID: 18313952...
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