Modulation of catecholamine transmission and sleep in man.

The effect of modulation of catecholamine transmission on sleep in man was studied using mianserin (20 and 40 mg) and nomifensine (50 and 100 mg). It is suggested that reduced wakefulness induced by mianserin during sleep is primarily related to postsynaptic antagonism of alpha adrenoceptors, though a possible synergistic effect with antagonism of histamine H1 receptors cannot be excluded, while increased wakefulness with nomifensine is related to inhibition of the uptake of catecholamines and/or direct or indirect dopaminergic activity. The reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with both drugs is believed to be a non-specific effect which arises from a disturbance of the balance between monoaminergic and cholinergic influences.