GABA(A) receptors implicated in REM sleep control express a benzodiazepine binding site

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Rice Bran Extract Exerts Antistress Effects in Mouse Models with Depressive-Like Behaviors

Various neurotransmitters are involved in regulating stress systems. In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid-rich rice bran extract (GRBe) in mice stressed by forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Four weeks of oral administration of GRBe (500-2000 mg/kg) reduced the levels of dopamine and corticosterone in the blood and brain while increasing serotonin levels. GRBe was involved not only in stress but also in regulating sleep and obesity-related genes. Modern society experiences diverse and tense lives because of urbanization and informatization, which cause excessive stress due to complicated interpersonal relationships, heavy work burden, and fatigue from the organized society. High levels of stress cause psychological instability and disrupt the balance in the autonomic nervous system, which maintains the body's equilibrium, resulting in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disorders. Therefore, our results suggest that GRBe is a useful substance that can relieve tension by ultimately influencing a depressive-like state by lowering the levels of neuronal substances, hormones, and cytokines involved in stress and sleep disorders.

A Review of Sleep Disturbances among Infants and Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Sleep problems are common among children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We review sleep disturbance in three major NDDs: autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). We review associations with functional impairment, discuss how patterns of sleep disturbance inform understanding of etiology, and theorize about mechanisms of impairment. Sleep disturbance is a transdiagnostic feature of NDDs. Caregivers report high rates of sleep problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep. Polysomnography data reveal differences in sleep architecture and increased rates of sleep disorders. Sleep disturbance is associated with functional impairment and stress among families. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of impairment and develop more effective interventions. Despite significant sleep disturbance in FASD, limited research is available.

Associations between anxiolytic medications and ventral hernia repair

PURPOSE

This study examines the relationship between anxiolytic medications (AXM) on outcomes following ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

A single-center review of prospectively obtained perioperative and 30-day outcome data, including AXM use at admission, as part of the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program.

RESULTS

Sixty-three of the 393 patients who presented for ventral hernia repair were taking an AXM (15.6%). AXM users were more likely to have a higher ASA class, dyspnea, and treated hypertension (p < 0.05). AXM use was associated with increased operative duration, hernia size, increased estimated blood loss, and need for component separation. After adjusting for medical comorbidities, AXM users were not found to have greater 30-day morbidity or mortality. Patients taking AXM were found to have greater length of stay and increased hospital readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients taking anxiolytic medications undergoing ventral hernia repairs have higher ASA scores, more complex hernia characteristics, and require more concurrent procedures. They were found to have longer operative times, increased blood loss, greater duration of hospital stay, and increased readmissions that were associated with the increased perioperative risk factors. Further studies are required to determine causal links.

Effect of sedative-hypnotics, anesthetics and analgesics on sleep architecture in obstructive sleep apnea

The perioperative care of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is currently receiving much attention due to an increased risk for complications. It is established that postoperative changes in sleep architecture occur and this may have pathophysiological implications for OSA patients. Upper airway muscle activity decreases during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Severe OSA patients exhibit exaggerated chemoreceptor-driven ventilation during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), which leads to central and obstructive apnea. This article critically reviewed the literature relevant to preoperative screening for OSA, prevalence of OSA in surgical populations and changes in postoperative sleep architecture relevant to OSA patients. In particular, we addressed three questions in regard to the effects of sedative-hypnotics, anesthetics and analgesics on sleep architecture, the underlying mechanisms and the relevance to OSA. Indeed, these classes of drugs alter sleep architecture, which likely significantly contributes to abnormal postoperative sleep architecture, exacerbation of OSA and postoperative complications.