Effects of isoflurane and ketamine on sleep in rabbits

Abstract

The postoperative sleep disturbance (POSD) is characterized by reduction of sleep after surgical operation. However, its mechanism is not well known. Therefore, we hypothesized that anesthetics could contribute to the POSD, and studied the effects of isoflurane and ketamine on sleep in rabbits. Rabbit sleep was measured for 21 h after isoflurane exposure or intravenous injection of ketamine. Non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) was decreased after isoflurane anesthesia. In contrast, ketamine anesthesia significantly enhanced NREMS. Both anesthetics did not affect rapid eye movement sleep. These results suggest that isoflurane may contribute to the POSD, but ketamine may decrease the POSD.