Plasma 17-Hydroxycorticosteroid Levels During Sleep in Man

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Abstract
Levels of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid hormone were obtained in 6 normal subjects during a 26-hr, period, every 4 hr. while awake and every 30 min. during a night''s sleep. An electroencephalogram was obtained during the sleep period. In all subjects a series of 3-4 peak elevations of the hormone occurred during the latter naif of the night''s sleep. A suggestive temporal relationship between the steroid elevations and the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep periods was noted. The role of the CNS in corticotrophin release and REM sleep activity is discussed.