Neuroendocrine Regulation of Sleep Disturbances in PTSD
Studies that have conducted quantitative analysis of the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) have demonstrated decreased delta sleep in PTSD. Elevations in both hypothalamic (neurohormonal) and extrahypothalamic (neurotransmitter) corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) release is associated with decreased delta sleep activity. We present data from several studies examining the effect of metyrapone administration on the sleep EEG in PTSD and control subjects. Plasma ACTH, cortisol, and 11-deoxycorticol were obtained the morning following polysomnographic sleep recordings before and after metyrapone administration. Delta sleep was measured by period amplitude analysis. The results demonstrat
sleep cortisol posttraumatic stress disorder corticotropin-releasing-factor