Reflections on the place of polygraphic recordings in the study of hypnotic drugs

Polygraphic recordings are important for studying a new hypnotic molecule. Night recordings are used in the assessment of the objective hypnotic effect over short and long-term periods. They show sleep architecture modifications caused by the hypnotic drug and quantify rebound insomnia following abrupt withdrawal. The comparative usefulness of sleep laboratory recordings and ambulatory monitoring is discussed. Polygraphic recordings also allow to evaluate diurnal residual effect upon vigilance. Twenty-four-hour recordings as well as multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) are used.