Quetiapine improves sleep quality in healthy subjects

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quetiapine on polysomnographic sleep structure and subjective sleep quality.

Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study investigated the polysomnographic sleep structure and subjective sleep quality of 18 healthy male subjects given placebo, quetiapine 25mg or quetiapine 100mg. Volunteers were studied three times for 3 consecutive nights (N0, adaptation; N1, standard sleep conditions; N2, acoustic stress) 4 days apart. Treatment was administered orally 1 hour before bedtime on nights 1 and 2.

Results: Quetiapine 25mg and 100mg significantly improved sleep induction and continuity under standard and acoustic stress conditions. Increases in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, percentage sleep stage 2 and subjective sleep quality were seen. A significant increase in periodic leg movements during sleep was observed with quetiapine 100mg.

Conclusions: The sleep-improving properties of quetiapine may be important in counteracting different aspects of psychopathology in schizophrenia and other disorders.