Modulation of GABAergic systems with GABA agonists and antagonists, effects on sleep EEG and hormone secretion

There is much evidence that γ-aminobutyric acidA (GABA_A) receptors play an important role in the regulation of sleep. Several compounds that affect GABA_A receptor functioning are well known to induce pronounced changes in sleep wake behaviour. Analysis of effects of such substances on sleep EEG may give insight into the involvement of GABA_A receptors in the initiation and maintenance of sleep. Recent studies demonstrated that GABA analogues and selective GABA_A receptor agonists exert distinct effects on sleep that differ substantially from those evoked by agonistic modulators of the GABA_A receptors, which includes benzodiazepine hypnotics. Furthermore, data received from animal research and human studies indicate a bidirectional interaction between sleep structure and nocturnal hormone secretion.