The prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with chronic pain ranges from 50% to 80%, and the severity of sleep disturbance is related to pain intensity . As neuropathic pain and sleep disturbance have a bidirectional relationship, they should be treated concurrently . 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. Regardless the type of sleep outcomes, gabapentin showed stable efficacy in the treatment for sleep disturbance in patients with medical illness with a relatively high risk of treatment discontinuation and drug withdrawal when used at an average dose of approximately 1,800 mg/day. To evaluate the effects of single doses of gabapentin 250 and 500 mg on polysomnographic (PSG) and participant-reported sleep measures in a 5-h phase advance insomnia model. Potential Benefits of Gabapentin for Sleep Disorders. 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. Sleep disorders are common in the general adult population and are associated with adverse effects such as motor vehicle collisions, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. Patients Gabapentin is often prescribed for individuals suffering from primary insomnia because it can improve sleep efficiency and reduce sleep disturbances. The medication works by interacting with a naturally occurring chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Clinical studies have revealed that gabapentin could improve the objective and subjective outcomes of sleep disturbance in patient with medical illness (13–37). Gabapentin Enacarbil (GEn) or XP13512 is a prodrug of gabapentin, used as an anticonvulsant and for pain relief in postherpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin for Sleep Disturbance in Medical Illness. Gabapentin has been extensively studied for its efficacy in treating sleep disturbances in patients with various medical illnesses. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 4,684 participants found that gabapentin significantly improved sleep outcomes compared to placebo 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. Chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is debilitating and impacts sleep health and quality of life. Treatment with gabapentinoids (GBs) has been shown to reduce pain, but its effects on sleep health have not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to asse 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. 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. 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. 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 (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. 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. Gabapentin is safe and effective in improving the sleep quality of patients with sensory nervous-system diseases. Due to the limitations of sample size and types of diseases in the current study, the field needs multicenter, large-sample, and high-quality RCTs for further validation in the future. Gabapentin appears to be effective in improving sleep quality across various conditions, including sensory nervous system diseases, RLS, menopausal symptoms, and alcohol dependence. However, its use is associated with some adverse effects, and there is a potential risk of exacerbating sleep apnea.
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