Effect of zolpidem during sleep on ventilation and cardiovascular variables in normal subjects.

A double-blind study comparing the effect of zolpidem 10 mg, and placebo, on sleep architecture, nocturnal ventilation, cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures) was carried out. Ten healthy middle-aged males took part in the study. No significant differences were found between zolpidem and placebo in relation to sleep architecture. Mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and SaO2 values (mean SaO2, time spent with SaO2 < 90%) were similar under both conditions. The diastolic and mean blood pressure readings taken from REM periods which occurred during the first third of the night were significantly higher with zolpidem. No changes in systolic blood pressure or heart rate were found with zolpidem in comparison to placebo.