The effect of orally administered cocaine on sleep of depressed patients

Two properties of cocaine appear to closely correspond to those of many other drugs which suppress REM sleep in man—enhancement of functional catecholamines and/or high drug-abuse potential.

Abstract

Cocaine was administered orally on a double-blind basis to depressed patients and effects on EEG-monitored sleep were assessed. In doses which did not produce consistent effects on vital signs or mood, cocaine significantly reduced total sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The REM sleep supression with cocaine administration and rebound upon cocaine discontinuation was dose related; there was a greater effect at higher doses. Two properties of cocaine appear to closely correspond to those of many other drugs which suppress REM sleep in man—enhancement of functional catecholamines and/or high drug-abuse potential.