[Pharmacologic aspects of sleep disorders].

Sleep disorders are becoming a major issue. Insomnia affects a substantial part of the population and may compromise individual quality of life. The principal existing hypnotic drugs, Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines are not safely. They have modes of action which results in the action of common mechanism: facilitating neurotransmission in GABAergic synapses. Stimulation of GABA receptors of the A type opens chloride ion channels which inhibits the ability of neurons to conduct nerve impulse. The clinical effects resulting which induce anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic and amnesic effects are discussed.