What effects do antipsychotics have on sleep?

What effects do antipsychotics have on sleep?

• A. REM density increases
• B. REM density decreases
• C. REM latency increases
• D. SWS increases

Answer: (B)

Antipsychotics commonly blunt REM sleep. REM density is the frequency of rapid eye movements during REM periods, and these drugs tend to reduce that activity because their dopamine-blocking effects dampen the REM-generating circuits. While some antipsychotics can also delay the onset of REM (increasing REM latency), the change most consistently described is a decrease in REM density. They do not typically increase slow-wave sleep, so SWS is not a likely outcome. Therefore, the best fit is a decrease in REM density.

Antipsychotics commonly blunt REM sleep. REM density is the frequency of rapid eye movements during REM periods, and these drugs tend to reduce that activity because their dopamine-blocking effects dampen the REM-generating circuits. While some antipsychotics can also delay the onset of REM (increasing REM latency), the change most consistently described is a decrease in REM density. They do not typically increase slow-wave sleep, so SWS is not a likely outcome. Therefore, the best fit is a decrease in REM density.