HCP Live (8/21, Derman) reports a study found that “patients with comorbid insomnia and depression treated with dexmedetomidine plus esketamine had improved depression scores, longer total sleep time, greater N3 sleep, and enhanced deep sleep continuity.” For the study, “78 patients were randomized 1:1 to dexmedetomidine plus esketamine or dexmedetomidine plus saline.” After 3 days of treatment, researchers observed “both groups showed a significantly increased total sleep duration, but gains were greater with esketamine. Esketamine also yielded longer and greater N3 duration, improved sleep continuity, and greater REM proportion.” Furthermore, “compared with saline, esketamine significantly reduced SNRS, MADRS, and N2 and REM proportions. Sleep improvements were linked to improvements in MADRS and increases in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations.” The study was published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. (SOURCE: APA Headlines)