electrosleep therapy [Gk, elektron + AS, slaep + Gk, therapeia, treatment] , a technique designed to induce sleep, especially in psychiatric patients, by administering a low-amplitude pulsating current to the brain. The cathode is placed supraorbitally, and the anode is placed over the mastoid process. The current, which is discharged for 15 to 20 minutes, produces a tingling sensation but does not always induce sleep. The procedure is repeated from 5 to 30 times. Electrosleep therapy is said to be beneficial for patients with anxiety, depression, gastric distress, insomnia, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Compare electronarcosis.
