Dynamics of slow-wave activity and spindle frequency activity in the human sleep EEG: Effect of midazolam and zopiclone

Abstract

Electroencephalographic slow-wave activity (SWA; power density in the 0.75 to 4, 5 Hz band) and spindle frequency activity (SFA; 11.25 to 15.0 Hz) exhibit a typical time course and a distinct mutual relationship during sleep. Because benzodiazepines (BDZ) suppress SWA and enhance SFA, we investigated the effect of two BDZ-receptor agonists on the dynamics of these EEG parameters. A single dose of midazolam (15 mg), zopiclone (7.5 mg), or placebo was administered before bedtime to healthy young men. Although the two drugs reduced SWA and enhanced SFA, their time course across and within sleep cycles as well as their mutual relationship were little affected. The results constitute further evidence that hypnotics acting as BDZ-receptor agonists do not substantially interfere with the homeostatic aspect of sleep regulation. © 1994 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.