The Influence of Drugs on the Ascending Reticular Activating System

Abstract

Ascending g reticular activating system ( ARAS ) plays an important  role in maintaining wakefulness and regulating the sleep_ wake cycle.  ARAS  receives input from various sensory modalities, including visual, auditory and somato sensory stimuli and integrates this information to modulate the level of arousal and alertness. Some drugs act as  stimulants, increasing the activity of the  ARAS and promoting wakefulness and alertness, while others act as  depressants, dampening ARAS activity and inducing sedation Jr sleep.  Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, caffeine  and cocaine exert their effects by enhancing the release of neuro transmitters  such as  Dopamine, nor epinephrine and serotonin in the brain.  These neuro transmitters play an important role in activating the ATAS and promoting wakefulness.  Depressant drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioid perform by inhibiting the activity of neurons in the brain, including those within  the ARAS.  By dampening  ARAS   activity, depressants can induce sedation, relaxation and sleep.  Finally it us concluded that the ARAS plays an important  role in  regulating wakefulness, attention and consciousness.