The Sleep Medicine Suvorexant and Its Effects on Metabolism During Sleep
Suvorexant, a prescription sleep aid, influences fat and protein processing while the body rests. This metabolic action opens the door to potential obesity treatments, though further checks are essential. Findings appeared in a major science journal.
Orexins are molecules that help keep people awake and alert. They also play a notable role in energy balance, including how the body manages appetite. In 2014, Suvorexant received approval to treat insomnia by blocking orexin activity, which reduces wakefulness and helps people sleep through the night.
In the recent study, researchers examined how Suvorexant affects metabolism and energy use during sleep in fourteen healthy male participants.
Overall sleep duration remained unchanged after taking Suvorexant. However, the REM sleep phase extended longer than usual. The drug promoted greater fat oxidation during sleep and this heightened fat burning persisted for about an hour after waking. At the same time, protein breakdown during sleep slowed down.
The results suggest that orexins may influence not only wakefulness but also metabolic processes. This could mean Suvorexant has potential applications in obesity management, according to the researchers. They emphasized the need for additional studies to determine safety and effectiveness in broader populations.
Historical observations from earlier investigations indicate that certain sleep medications could carry cognitive risks, including potential impacts on memory and thinking over time. This underscores the importance of careful, long-term evaluation before widespread use for metabolic indications.