Abstract
Noradrenergic (NE) neurotransmission and particularly α-adrenergic receptor function
has been identified as a critical component of the sleep/wake regulation in animals
and humans. This work (i) provides an update on the impact of NE neurotransmission
on the sleep/wake regulation, (ii) summarizes the effects of α-receptor agonists and
antagonists on arousal and sleep in animals and healthy humans, and (iii) reviews
the current body of evidence for the effectiveness and safety of these compounds in
the treatment of clinical conditions characterized by alterations of arousal or sleep,
including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder and primary sleep disorders. This
systematic evaluation of the potential and limitations of the effects of α-adrenergic
compounds might promote novel inroads for the treatment of these highly prevalent
clinical conditions.
Key words
α-receptors - norepinephrine - clonidine - prazosin - arousal - sleep