L-Tryptophan Administered to Chronic Sleep-Onset Insomniacs: Late-Appearing Reduction of Sleep Latency.
Abstract
The effects of 3 g 1-tryptophan on sleep, performance, arousal threshold, and brain electrical activity during sleep were assessed in 20 male, chronic sleep-onset insomniacs (mean age 20.3 + or - 2.4 years). Following a sleep laboratory screening night, all subjects received placebo for 3 consecutive nights (single-blind), 10 subjects received 1-tryptophan and 10 subjects received placebo on 2 withdrawal nights (single-blind). There was no effect of 1-tryptophan on sleep latency during the first 3 nights of administration. ON the 4th-6th nights of administration, sleep latency was significantly reduced. Unlike benzodiazepine hypnotics, 1-tryptophan did not alter sleep stages, impair performance, elevate arousal threshold, or alter brain electrical activity during sleep.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163115
Entities
People
- Cheryl L. Spinweber
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center