Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:51
A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Polysomnographic sleep dysregulation in cocaine dependence
Edwin M Valladares1, Michael R Irwin
1Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California Los Angeles, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, USA. evalladares@ucla.edu
Thescientificworldjournal
|November 6, 2007
Summary
Sleep disturbances are common in cocaine dependence and may increase mortality risk. Objective sleep studies using polysomnography are needed to understand these issues and improve treatments for cocaine-dependent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Addiction Research
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are linked to poor health and higher mortality.
- Cocaine dependence is frequently associated with persistent sleep problems, even during recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and severity of sleep disturbances in cocaine-dependent individuals.
- To identify pathways linking sleep issues to increased mortality in this population.
- To highlight the importance of objective sleep assessment in cocaine dependence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing polysomnography for objective characterization of sleep patterns.
- Evaluating sleep disturbances in individuals with cocaine dependence.
Main Results:
- Few studies have objectively assessed sleep in cocaine-dependent populations using polysomnography.
- Polysomnography offers a method to precisely define sleep disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Objective sleep assessment via polysomnography is crucial for understanding sleep disturbances in cocaine dependence.
- Improved understanding of sleep issues can lead to better treatments and reduced morbidity/mortality in this group.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:07Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...