Most sedative-hypnotics used in insomnia treatment target the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors. A vast repertoire of GABA(A) receptor subtypes has been identified and displays specific electrophysiological and functional properties. GABA(A)-mediated inhibition traditionally refers to 'phasic' inhibition, arising from synaptic GABA(A) receptors which transiently inhibit neurons. Howev...

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is produced by the process of fermentation whereby plant sugars are converted to ethanol by yeast. Products of fermentation include mead from honey, wine from grapes, sake from rice, and beer from grains. Fermented products can also be distilled, for example when whisky is distilled from grains (Herbst and Herbst, 2003). The history of voluntary ethanol use by humans dat...

BACKGROUND Use of psychotropic and sedative drugs has been associated with impaired muscle strength. Muscle weakness predicts important outcomes for older people including functional disability and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate if the use of drugs with sedative properties is associated with poorer muscle strength. METHODS Seven-hundred community-dwelling participan...