Effect of temazepam on oxygen saturation and sleep quality at high altitude: randomised placebo controlled crossover trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of temazepam on the quality of sleep and on oxygen saturation during sleep in subjects at high altitude.


METHODS
Randomised, blinded, crossover, placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
Base camp at Mount Everest (altitude 5300 m).


METHODS
11 members of British Mount Everest Medical Expedition recently arrived at base camp.


METHODS
Participants were randomly allocated to receive either temazepam 10 mg or placebo on their first night at base camp and the other treatment on the second night.


METHODS
Quality of sleep (assessed subjectively), mean arterial oxygen saturation value, and changes in saturation values (as measure of periodic breathing) while participants taking temazepam or placebo.


RESULTS
All participants noted subjective improvements in sleep. Mean saturation value remained unchanged when temazepam was compared with placebo (74.65% v 75.70%, P = 0.5437). There were fewer changes in oxygen saturation when participants took temazepam and when measured as decreases > 4% below the mean value of saturation each hour (P = 0.0036, paired Student's t test (two tailed)).


CONCLUSIONS
Participants taking temazepam at 5300 m showed no significant drop in mean oxygen saturation values during sleep. Both the number and severity of changes in saturation during sleep decreased and the quality of sleep improved. This may be a result of a reduction in the number of awakenings and might lead to greater respiratory stability and fewer episodes of periodic breathing. This has the effect of improving the quality of sleep and reducing the number of periods of desaturation during sleep.
Dubowitz
G
G
British Mount Everest Medical Expedition, Hyssington, Montgomery, Powys. gerald@iii.co.uk
D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009051:Mountaineering; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013693:Temazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018757:GABA Modulators; D013693:Temazepam; D010100:Oxygen