Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker for promoting sleep and/or the treatment of insomnia. It is based, at least in part, on the results of experiments performed using a validated rat model of stress-induced insomnia in which candesartan was found to ameliorate sleep disturbances induced by stress. Further, it was observed that this effect seems to be caused by blockade of AT1 receptors located in several brain regions that are key components of the neural circuitry activated during insomnia. In contrast to currently marketed treatments for insomnia, the AT1 receptor blocker was found to restore normal sleep without inhibiting REM sleep and/or inducing atypical wave components in the EEG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker for promoting sleep and/or the treatment of insomnia. It is based, at least in part, on the results of experiments performed using a validated rat model of stress-induced insomnia in which candesartan was found to ameliorate sleep disturbances induced by stress. Further, it was observed that this effect seems to be caused by blockade of AT1 receptors located in several brain regions that are key components of the neural circuitry activated during insomnia. In contrast to currently marketed treatments for insomnia, the AT1 receptor blocker was found to restore normal sleep without inhibiting REM sleep and/or inducing atypical wave components in the EEG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker for promoting sleep and/or the treatment of insomnia. It is based, at least in part, on the results of experiments performed using a validated rat model of stress-induced insomnia in which candesartan was found to ameliorate sleep disturbances induced by stress. Further, it was observed that this effect seems to be caused by blockade of AT1 receptors located in several brain regions that are key components of the neural circuitry activated during insomnia. In contrast to currently marketed treatments for insomnia, the AT1 receptor blocker was found to restore normal sleep without inhibiting REM sleep and/or inducing atypical wave components in the EEG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker for promoting sleep and/or the treatment of insomnia. It is based, at least in part, on the results of experiments performed using a validated rat model of stress-induced insomnia in which candesartan was found to ameliorate sleep disturbances induced by stress. Further, it was observed that this effect seems to be caused by blockade of AT1 receptors located in several brain regions that are key components of the neural circuitry activated during insomnia. In contrast to currently marketed treatments for insomnia, the AT1 receptor blocker was found to restore normal sleep without inhibiting REM sleep and/or inducing atypical wave components in the EEG.

Abstract: Blood pressure in animals is reduced by administering 2-chloro-6-methylergoline-8.beta.-acetonitrile (lergotrile*) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof either alone or in combination with a substance which is known to reduce blood pressure. A novel composition is provided comprising a unit dosage form of lergotrile and a substance which is known to reduce blood pressure.(* The term "lergotrile" is intended to include the compound lergotrile as well as its physiologically- and pharmacologically-active metabolites in the body.