Posted by Mitch on August 1, 2001, at 9:00:44
In reply to Benzos and sleep stages, posted by Daveman on August 1, 2001, at 0:01:55
> Okay, I know this has been discussed here before but I cannot narrow my search enough to find the thread:) The question is: What effect do the benzos have on sleep stages? I know that my pdoc prefers Ambien to benzos for PRN sleep use because, according to him, it does not interfere with sleep stages as the benzos do. Anybody out there who can point me in the direction of some articles that discuss this issue? Thanks.
>
> Dave
Daveman,Generally they can supress REM sleep to some degree from what I have heard. When they are discontinued people can have "rebound" excessive dreaming. I haven't tried Ambien, but I have tried Sonata (which is also touted as not "interfering" with sleep stages). Well, I had similar problems that terra had-it puts you to sleep in a heartbeat, but you are awake again in the middle of the nite (BTW-also had "rebound" anxiety during the daytime that seemed to worsen my mood cycling).
I think they are trying to make a sleeper for people that primarily have trouble getting to sleep not early-morning awakenings, if your trouble is *staying* asleep it may not be the best choice. Serzone is supposed to not interfere with REM sleep and it helps some folks sleep better. I personally don't like to get stuck taking hypnotic-sedatives for sleep, it seems that I always have a rough time stopping the things-and they are prescribed "short term" anyways. If you are already taking a med that causes drowsiness you might try a bedtime dose of that if you don't already.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010731/msgs/72872.html