Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
19.8K
Pharmacologic therapy for sleep-related breathing disorders
Jonathan Rl Schwartz1, Rod J Hughes, Tom Roth
1Integris Sleep Disorders Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, USA. schwjr@integris-health.com.
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 16, 2014
Summary
This review examines pharmacologic treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), focusing on interventions targeting breathing events, sleep continuity, and daytime function. Research explores medications to improve airway resistance and ventilatory drive in SRBD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) involve disrupted breathing during sleep due to airway resistance or reduced ventilatory drive.
- These disorders commonly lead to impaired sleep continuity and daytime wakefulness.
- SRBD features can be targeted by pharmacological interventions, addressing breathing events, sleep quality, and waking function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research status on pharmacologic treatments for SRBDs.
- To explore medications aimed at improving upper airway resistance and ventilatory drive.
- To assess drugs targeting symptoms of sleep and wakefulness in SRBD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacologic agents studied for SRBDs.
- Analysis of research on medications affecting airway resistance and ventilatory drive.
- Evaluation of studies on drugs treating sleep and wakefulness symptoms in SRBDs.
Main Results:
- Various pharmacologic agents have been investigated for SRBD treatment.
- Medications aim to reduce upper airway resistance or enhance ventilatory drive.
- Other drugs are tested for alleviating sleep or wakefulness impairments in SRBD patients.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological interventions offer potential therapeutic avenues for SRBDs.
- Targeting breathing events, sleep continuity, and daytime function are key strategies.
- Further research is ongoing to develop effective pharmacologic treatments for SRBDs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
785
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
785
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
981
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
981
01:23Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
2.3K
Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
2.3K
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
1.6K
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
1.6K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.8K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.8K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
2.9K
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...
2.9K