It seems that dreaming is among the processes that assist the brain in exerting its cognitive functions, and maintaining a balanced mood, thus, moderating our behavioral responses. This seems obvious when hypnotics, that reduce rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep during which dreaming occurs, impair concentration and mood the day after. It is well known that beta-blockers can induce nightmares and vivid dreams. Beta-blockers exert part of their negative chronotropic effect through inhibiting the funny current, mediated through the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN). Nightmares were also triggered by ivabradine, a selective inhibitor of the funny current. An inference could be made about the possible involvement of the funny current in the dreaming process. In the same context, the mood stabilizers, lithium carbonate and sodium valproate were associated with nightmares. Both of which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDA). Targeting HCN and HAD can alter dreaming, with secondary effects cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

Sherine Abdelmissih has completed her M.D. at the age of 40 years from Cairo University, Egypt. She is a lecturer in Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, Egypt, since 2016. She is a Subinvestigator in Clinical Trial Research Center, Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, Egypt, since 2017. She is a member at European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), member of British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. She has published 3 original research articles, one review and one book chapter. She has reviewed 13 published articles.