It is important to observe from this graph that neuronal and neurochemical circuitry of sleep is quite complex. All neurotransmitters are involved: noradrenaline (NA),dopamine (DA), serotonin (5TH), acetylcholine (ACh), GABA-ergic and glutamatergic systems participate in this functioning. Thus, doctors who are devoted to treat sleep disorders should be aware of this issue. It is too simplistic to attempt treatments of sleep disorders with drugs like benzodiaze-pines. These dangerous drugs stimulate GABA-ergic neurons which supress all neurochemical activities. This practice is contrary to nature, contrary to physiology.

Slow Wave Sleep (SWS) includes four stages. Stages 3 and 4 are named Delta Sleep during wich the Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted. This hormone is necessary in the restorative process of the human body and its absence causes the suppresion of the immune system. Deficiency of Delta Sleep triggers immunosuppression and favors infectious and malignant diseases.
All theurapetical manipulations addressed to normalize sleep disorders should increase these two stages.
R.E.M sleep is necessary to normalize cognitive and emotional activities.
Benzodiaperines for example, supress Delta Sleep and R.E.M Sleep, favoring immunosuppression and severe behavioral and mental disorders.

COPYRIGHT © 1997 FUAD LECHIN