Methods and compositions for improving sleep

Abstract

Methods and compositions for improving sleep in individuals with sleep disorders or other conditions which interfere with normal sleep via administration of a NO-mimetic are provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for improving sleep in an individual suffering from a sleep disorder or a condition wherein normal sleep is interrupted or interfered with, said method comprising administering to the individual a NO-mimetic in an amount therapeutically effective to improve sleep in the individual.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amount of NO-mimetic administered is less than an amount effective to appreciably alter systemic vascular tone.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  where the amount of NO-mimetic administered is one half to one fortieth of the amount of NO-mimetic known to appreciably alter systemic vascular tone in normal circulation in a human.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the NO-mimetic is administered by transdermal patch.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the NO-mimetic is co-administered with an established drug for sleep disorders or a condition wherein normal sleep is interrupted or interfered with.  
     
     
         6 . A method for decreasing a therapeutic dosage of an established drug for sleep disorders or a condition wherein normal sleep is interrupted or interfered with, said method comprising co-administering the established drug with a NO-mimetic.  
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a NO-mimetic and an established drug for sleep disorders or a condition wherein normal sleep is interrupted or interfered with.