Effects of acute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on sleep and daytime sleepiness in MDMA users: a preliminary study.
Surilla Randall, Chris‐ellyn Johanson, Manuel E. Tancer, Timothy Roehrs
Sleep November 2009 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/32.11.1513 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Seven recreational MDMA users and 13 matched control subjects |
| Interventions | MDMA Sleep restriction |
| Dose | 2 mg/kg |
| Duration | 3 sessions of 3 nights (baseline, treatment, recovery) and 2 days per session; control subjects had 1 night and day |
| Measures | Polysomnography, Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Acute MDMA shortened sleep by increasing sleep latency, reduced stage 3/4 sleep, and suppressed REM sleep, but unlike sleep restriction, it did not increase daytime sleepiness the next day. Compared with controls, MDMA users had shorter total sleep times, less stage 3/4 sleep, and elevated sleep-onset REM periods, indicating hyperarousal and impaired REM function. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) affects monoamine neurotransmitters that play a critical role in sleep and daytime alertness. However, the acute effects of MDMA on sleep and daytime sleepiness have not been studied under placebo-controlled conditions. This study was designed to establish the effects of acute MDMA or placebo administration and sleep restriction on sleep and daytime sleepiness. Participants with a history of MDMA use were studied on 3 sessions of 3 nights (baseline, treatment, and recovery) and 2 days (following night 2 and 3) per session. On treatment nights (night 2), participants received placebo or 2 mg/kg of MDMA or underwent a restricted bed schedule with placebo. Sleep restriction was a positive control to compare sleep loss and consequent sleepiness associated with MDMA use. The scheduled sleep period was 8 hours long on nonrestricted nights, and standard sleep recordings and daytime sleepiness tests were conducted. Age-matched controls received 1 night and day of standard sleep and daytime sleepiness testing. Sleep laboratory. Seven recreational MDMA-users and 13 matched control subjects. Acute MDMA shortened sleep primarily by increasing sleep latency, and it reduced stage 3/4 sleep and suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The MDMA-reduced sleep time was not associated with increased daytime sleepiness the following day, as was seen in the sleep-restriction condition. Compared with control subjects, the MDMA users on the first night in the laboratory had shorter total sleep times and less stage 3/4 sleep. Average daily sleep latency on daytime sleepiness tests the day after nighttime placebo administration was increased in MDMA users compared with the control subjects, and MDMA users had an elevated number of sleep-onset REM periods on these tests, compared with control subjects. Acute MDMA administration disrupts sleep and REM sleep, specifically, without producing daytime sleepiness such as sleep restriction does. Compared with control subjects, recreational MDMA users showed evidence of hyperarousal and impaired REM function. The mechanism behind these effects is likely due to the deleterious effects of MDMA on catecholamines.