Effective Dexmedetomidine Dose for Stage N2 Sleep Induction and Associated Factors in Depression-Related Insomnia: A Polysomnography-Based Analysis

Background: -adrenergic receptor agonist, shows unique advantages in inducing sleep closely resembling physiological sleep and is gaining interest as a potential therapy for insomnia. Objective: This study aimed to determine the average effective Dex dose for inducing stage N2 sleep in patients with depression-related insomnia via polysomnography (PSG), and to identify factors affecting dose variability. Methods: From April to August 2023, 91 patients with depression-related insomnia were recruited from the Center for Pain and Sleep Medicine at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University. All patients received intravenous Dex infusion (diluted to 4 μg/mL and administered at 60 mL/h) under continuous PSG monitoring. The cumulative Dex dose required to induce stage N2 sleep was recorded. Clinical data were collected, and univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing Dex dose. Results: = 0.181). During titration, patients' vital signs remained stable, with heart rate significantly decreasing (68.2 ± 10.0 vs 57.0 ± 13.3 bpm, P < 0.05), whereas mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Dex could effectively induces stage N2 sleep in patients with depression-related insomnia and has a favorable safety profile, with the required dose increasing with age.