Study of a Group of Familial‐cultural Retardates Showing Rapid Transition From Wakefulness to Sleep

Abstract

SUMMARY A combined study of respiratory metabolism and sleep stage according to E.E.G. pattern was made. A group of undifferentiated retardates fell asleep unusually quickly when they lay down at any time of the day. Investigations indicated that the reduction in oxygen uptake seen with deepening sleep was greater than among other young male familial cultural patients. Investigation of the urine of these patients showed that they excreted unusually high amounts of a substance that inhibits gonadotrophin action, serotonin action and spontaneous activity.