Current Research

Antihistamine Project

Antihistamines are a type of allergy medication that have drowsiness as a common side effect. This is due to the different role histamine plays in the body versus in the brain. In the brain histamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, while in the body it is a signaling molecule for the allergic response. When antihistamines are taken and cross the blood brain barrier, nREM sleep is promoted and there is a decrease in REM sleep. We are currently exploring if antihistamines produce these same effects on sleep-like brain activity under urethane anesthesia.