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Published on: August 2, 2017
Interferon-alpha acutely impairs sleep in healthy humans
E Späth-Schwalbe1, T Lange, B Perras
1Charité, Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Cytokine
|June 17, 2000
Summary
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) impairs human sleep quality, reducing deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This cytokine may contribute to sleep disturbances during viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a cytokine with known roles in immune response.
- Previous research suggested potential sleep-promoting effects of IFN-alpha in animals.
- The impact of low-dose IFN-alpha on human sleep physiology remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two low doses of human recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on nocturnal sleep in healthy men.
- To compare the sleep-altering effects of 1000 U/kg and 10000 U/kg IFN-alpha doses.
- To explore the potential role of endogenous IFN-alpha in sleep disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnographic sleep recordings were used to monitor sleep architecture in 18 healthy male subjects.
- Subjects received subcutaneous injections of either 1000 U/kg IFN-alpha, 10000 U/kg IFN-alpha, or placebo at 1900h.
- Sleep was recorded between 2300h and 0700h following administration.
Main Results:
- IFN-alpha administration led to increased subjective fatigue and impaired objective sleep quality.
- The higher dose (10000 U/kg) showed stronger effects than the lower dose (1000 U/kg).
- Significant suppression of slow-wave sleep (P<0.003) and reduction in REM sleep (P<0.04) were observed.
- Increased time in shallow sleep (P<0.05) and delayed REM sleep latency (P<0.02) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose interferon-alpha negatively impacts human nocturnal sleep, contrary to some animal studies.
- IFN-alpha suppresses key sleep stages, including slow-wave and REM sleep.
- Endogenous IFN-alpha may be a contributing factor to sleep alterations during infections.
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