A Laboratory Evaluation of Zaleplon for Daytime Sleep

Abstract : Zaleplon appears to be a prime candidate for assisting individuals in obtaining sleep in situations not conducive to rest. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether zaleplon (10-mg) effectively promoted sleep during the daytime in well rested individuals when compared to placebo. A secondary objective was to see if, while not expected, the use of zaleplon impacted the performance of these well rested indivIduals upon awakening. Twelve participants, 6 males and 6 females, participated in this study. The study was conducted using a repeated measures design with two within-subject factors: dmg (placebo/zaleplon) and trial (hourly testing during waking hours). Each participant experienced both drug conditions, with drug administration being counterbalanced and double-blinded. During a 3.5 hour nap following drug administration, polysomnographic variables were recorded to measure quality of sleep. Performance measures (cognition, memory, balance, and strength) and subjective reports were collected during every waking trial of each session. Total sleep time, and consequently, sleep efficiency, was statistically higher under zaleplon than under placebo (sleep efficiency = 87% and 76%, respectively). The majority of the gain in sleep occurred during sleep stages 3 and 4. Unexpectedly (given that the participants were well rested) a few of the cognitive performance and memory variables showed improvement after awakening under zaleplon when compared to placebo. Zaleplon, when used by rested individuals for daytime sleep, improves sleep quality.