The effects of two single doses of tramadol on sleep: a randomized, cross-over trial in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
The effects of analgesic drugs on sleep are poorly understood. We investigated short- and medium-term effects of tramadol on sleep structure.


METHODS
Eight healthy volunteers received a placebo (predrug placebo-night), then, in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over fashion a single oral dose of tramadol 50 mg or 100 mg (drug-night), and finally, again a placebo (postdrug placebo-night). Standardized polysomnography (electroencephalogram, electro-oculogram, submental electromyogram) was continuously recorded during placebo- and drug-nights.


RESULTS
During drug-nights both doses of tramadol significantly increased the duration of stage 2 sleep, and significantly decreased the duration of slow-wave sleep (stage 4). Tramadol 100 mg but not 50 mg significantly decreased the duration of paradoxical (rapid eye movement) sleep. In the placebo-night after tramadol 100 mg (but not after 50 mg) duration of stage 2 sleep was significantly shorter, and duration of stage 4 sleep was significantly longer compared with the predrug placebo-night.


CONCLUSIONS
In healthy volunteers, a single dose of tramadol 50 mg disturbs sleep in the night of drug application. With 100 mg, sleep is disturbed in both the night of drug application and in the subsequent night.
Division of Surgical Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
B
B
Walder
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MR
Tramèr
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R
Blois
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000187:drug effects; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects; D014147:Tramadol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014147:Tramadol