Induction of prolonged, continuous slow-wave sleep by blocking cerebral H1 histamine receptors in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Classic H1 histamine receptor (H1R) antagonists are non-selective for H1R and known to produce drowsiness. Modern antihistamines are more selective for H1R, and are ‘non-drowsy’ presumably due to reduced permeability through the blood-brain barrier. To characterize both histaminergic sleep regulation and the central actions of antihistamines, in the present study we analysed the effect of classic and modern antihistamines on rats' sleep using continuous i.c.v. infusions.