This study is the first to systematically assess the clinical value of gabapentin for the treatment of sleep disorders. We found that regardless the type of sleep outcomes, gabapentin displayed stable treatment efficacy for sleep disturbance in patients with medical illness. Results: Polysomnographic study revealed increased sleep efficiency and slow-wave sleep, decreased wake after sleep onset, and spontaneous arousal index after gabapentin treatment. The biochemical blood test revealed decreased prolactin levels in the morning after treatment. Gabapentin, an α 2 δ subunit ligand of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia and restless legs syndrome, and as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures with and without secondary generalization (maximal dose: 600-1800 mg/day depending on indication and gabapentin formulation). 8 –10 Some studies have found that gabapentin may increase slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, which is crucial for physical restoration and cognitive function. Additionally, it may reduce sleep fragmentation, leading to fewer nighttime awakenings and improved sleep continuity. Gabapentin and sleep. Most studies show that gabapentin improves slow wave sleep (“deep sleep”) and total sleep time. Two small studies showed that gabapentin may help people with primary insomnia and occasional sleep disturbance improve total sleep time and wakefulness in the morning. Research suggests that gabapentin may increase slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, which is crucial for physical recovery and memory consolidation. This effect could be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to achieve restorative sleep due to pain or anxiety. The relationship between gabapentin and sleep apnea is complex and multifaceted, with potential implications for both the management of sleep disorders and the use of gabapentin for various conditions. Understanding how gabapentin may affect sleep patterns is crucial in assessing its impact on sleep apnea symptoms and overall sleep quality. A systematic review on the effects of epilepsy treatments on sleep architecture concluded that epilepsy drugs including gabapentin and pregabalin reduce sleep latency and/or improve sleep efficiency . Although their pain-relieving efficacy is comparable, antidepressant drugs and opioids tend to worsen sleep quality whilst the anticonvulsants Gabapentin for Sleep Disorders: Mechanism of Action and Efficacy. Gabapentin’s effect on sleep patterns is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may work by modulating calcium channels in the brain, which can influence neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Despite the uncertainties surrounding its impact on REM sleep, gabapentin has shown promise in treating various sleep disorders. Its use in managing insomnia, particularly in patients with chronic pain or anxiety, has garnered attention from sleep specialists. Research into the use of gabapentin for sleep highlights several critical findings: Efficacy: Many studies indicate that gabapentin can improve sleep quality, particularly in patients with conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain, which often disrupt sleep. Gabapentin is one treatment option offered by doctors to not only help you fall asleep faster but stay asleep for a full night of rest – without those disruptive wakeups. How Does Gabapentin Help You Sleep? Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant, a medication meant to stop or prevent seizures. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is prescribed for epilepsy and nerve pain, but some people may take gabapentin for sleep. Learn about whether off-label gabapentin works for sleep disorders. Preliminary evidence indicates that gabapentin can attenuate insomnia, bolster sleep quality, and increase total sleep duration. Moreover, gabapentin has been shown to increase slow-wave sleep (SWS), promote sleep maintenance, and decrease unwanted awakenings throughout the night. All parents received education in sleep behavioral interventions. The majority of children (70%) had both sleep-onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The average starting dose of gabapentin was 5 mg/kg every bedtime and the maximal dose was 15 mg/kg every bedtime. At follow-up, improved sleep was noted in 78% of children. Discussion. This study revealed that without consideration of the type of sleep outcomes, gabapentin was significantly superior to placebos for the treatment for sleep disorders secondary to RLS, neuropathic pain, alcohol dependence, hot flashes in menopause, fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, HIV-associated sensory neuropathies, and bipolar disorder.
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