These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: L-tryptophan: a rational hypnotic with clinical potential.
    Author: Hartmann E.
    Journal: Am J Psychiatry; 1977 Apr; 134(4):366-70. PubMed ID: 320887.
    Abstract:
    The author states that the use of the amino acid L-tryptophan as a hypnotic might avoid the problems of nonspecificity in the currently used CNS depressants because L-tryptophan is chosen on the basis of the chemistry of normal sleep rather than on a purely empirical basis. He reviews nine studies from his laboratory dealing with the effects of L-tryptophan on sleep. Studies in rats, normal human subjects, and subjects with mild insomnia all demonstrate that L-tryptophan reduces sleep latency. Polygraphic studies demonstrate that L-tryptophan, unlike hypnotics, does not produce distortions of sleep physiology when first administered, on long-term administration, or after withdrawal.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]