In an article on ghb (gamma hydroxy butyrate) I read:
(From the September 10th, 1994 issue of Smart Drug News [v3n6].)
"The Actions of GHB in the Body
GHB temporarily inhibits the release of dopamine in the brain. This
may cause increased dopamine storage, and later increased dopamine
release when the GHB influence wears off [Chin and Kreutzer, 1992].
This effect could account for the middle-of-the-night wakings common
with use of higher GHB doses, and the general feelings of increased
well-being, alertness and arousal the next day."
The primary disadvantage to GHBs use as a sleep aid is its
short-term influence; about three hours. During GHBs
influence, sleep is deeper and more restful, but after the GHB has
worn off, people have a tendency to wake up. The higher the dose, the
greater is this tendency. Some have called this pattern the “dawn
effect” and have speculated that it is related to the release of
stored-up dopamine. Some people minimize this effect by taking minimal
doses of GHB. Others take advantage of this effect by getting a couple
of hours of work done in the middle of the night. Still others choose
to take a second dose of GHB to sleep for another three hours."
I was wondering how this relates to the body's own sleep mechanism?
