| Abstract: | Effects of the benzodiazepine derivative 8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo(4,3-a)-(1,4)benzodiazepine (estazolam, BAY k 4200) on sleep stage patterns of 10 subjects were studied in the laboratory under double-blind conditions during quiet and noise-disturbed nights. The noise of 17-20 jet fly-overs was presented during sleep. The mean peak level of the noise was 97 dB(A) measured indoors near the sleeper's head. Intermittent wakefulness, stage 1 and movement time (MT) increased during noise-disturbed nights. Estazolam suppressed the phases of intermittent wakefulness during the quiet night and reduced stage 1 and MT. Arousal reactions by jet noise were milder and shorter under estazolam. Both effects resulted in equal amounts of intermittent wakefulness, stage 1 and MT during the noise-disturbed night under estazolam and during the quiet night under placebo. The dosage of 2 mg estazolam had no significant effect on stage REM, but delta-sleep decreased. Hints of carry-over effects were found in the sleep stage patterns. Effects of estazolam were seen in the estimations of sleep quality and mood by the subjects in the morning after awakening. |
