Theophylline Sleep disorders: incidence study

In a double-blind , crossover study, 13 healthy volunteers randomly received 2-week courses of oral sustained-release theophylline 150-450mg bid and placebo. Seven of 8 caffeine-sensi tive volun teers reported having slept better during placebo than during theophylline treatment compared with the other caffeine­sensitive volunteer and all 5 caffeine­insensitive volunteers who reported having slept equally well during both treatments . There was a significant increase in sleep latency and decrease in sleep efficiency in caffeine-sensitive volunteers during theophylline treatment compared with placebo. No difference was observed in volunteers insensitive to caffeine .

'We conclude that theophylline can have a negative effect on the quality of sleep, and that questions regarding caffeine sensitivity might predict whether an individual person will experience a deterioration of the quality of sleep as a result of theophylline medication_ '

Janson C, G,slason T, Almqvlst M, Boman G Theophylline disturbs sleep In caf feine-sensi tive persons Pulmonary Pharmacology 2· 125-129, Sep 1989 371