Effects of zopiclone on the rest/activity rhythm after a westward flight across five time zones.
The effects of zopiclone on the rest/activity rhythm were investigated after a westward flight with a 5-h phase delay (Grenoble-Martinique). The rest/activity rhythm was recorded continuously with an actigraph monitor during a 6-day baseline episode in Grenoble and a 6-day sojourn in Martinique. Rectal temperature was recorded before the flight on day 2 and after the flight on days 2 and 5. Subjective jet-lag score was assessed before the flight on days 1 and 2 and in Martinique on days 1, 2, 5 and 6. Zopiclone (7.5 mg) or placebo were administered double blind 30 min prior to bedtime during the first 4 post-flight days (D1-D4). Under zopiclone treatment, sleep was less fragmented on the first post-flight night and the curtailment of sleep duration observed on D2 and D3 under placebo was prevented. During day-time, subjects tended to be more active than with placebo. By contrast, subjective jet-lag scores did not differ between both groups. Zopiclone seemed to accelerate the readjustment of the rest/activity rhythm and the normalisation of the phase relationship between sleep and the temperature rhythm. Zopiclone probably exerts its "resetting" effects on jet-lag desynchronosis by facilitating sleep induction rather than via a chronobiotic action.
Daurat
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A
Université Toulouse Le Mirail, Laboratoire Travail et Cognition, Maison de la Recherche, Toulouse, France. a.buguet@alpes-net.fr
Benoit
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O
Buguet
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D000704:Analysis of Variance; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020179:Jet Lag Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000188:drug therapy*
D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; D010919:Placebos; C515050:zopiclone