The effect of second-generation antipsychotic drugs on sleep parameters in patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder

Abstract

Sleep disturbances predominantly take the form of insomnia in patients with unipolar disorder, while patients with bipolar disorder show a decreased need for sleep. Sleep impairment in these patients is a risk factor for the development of a major depressive episode and suicidal behavior. Administration of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone as augmentation therapy or monotherapy to unipolar and bipolar disorder patients, respectively, has been shown to improve sleep continuity and sleep architecture. Thus, their use by these patients could ameliorate their sleep disorder.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; NREM sleep; REM sleep; Second-generation antipsychotic; Unipolar disorder; Wakefulness.