An individual abruptly stops taking a prescribed hypnotic medication that enhances GABA activity to address chronic insomnia. Which consequence follows due to rapid receptor down-regulation?

💡 Explanation

Abrupt cessation of GABA-enhancing drugs causes rapid receptor down-regulation because the body reduces receptor density in response to prolonged stimulation; therefore, severe rebound insomnia occurs, rather than increased slow-wave sleep or suppressed REM rebound, since the brain's natural GABA system is temporarily less effective.

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