L-tryptophan: a rational hypnotic with clinical potential.

Abstract

The author states that the use of the amino acid L-tryptophan as a hypnotic might avoid the problems of nonspecificity in the currently used CNS depressants because L-tryptophan is chosen on the basis of the chemistry of normal sleep rather than on a purely empirical basis. He reviews nine studies from his laboratory dealing with the effects of L-tryptophan on sleep. Studies in rats, normal human subjects, and subjects with mild insomnia all demonstrate that L-tryptophan reduces sleep latency. Polygraphic studies demonstrate that L-tryptophan, unlike hypnotics, does not produce distortions of sleep physiology when first administered, on long-term administration, or after withdrawal.

• Authors: E Hartmann
• Journal: The American journal of psychiatry (Am J Psychiatry) Vol. 134 Issue 4 Pg. 366-70 (Apr 1977) ISSN: 0002-953X [Print] United States
• PMID: 320887 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hypnotics and Sedatives
• Placebos
• Serotonin
• Tryptophan

Topics

• Animals
• Brain Chemistry (drug effects)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Humans
• Hypnotics and Sedatives
• Male
• Mental Disorders (complications)
• Placebos
• Rats
• Serotonin (metabolism)
• Sleep (drug effects)
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (drug therapy)
• Stimulation, Chemical
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
• Tryptophan (pharmacology, therapeutic use)