Colin Snow
Sleeping gas, also known as an incapacitating agent, is a chemical or biological agent that renders a person unconscious and unable to harm themselves or others. It is often used in fictional media as a plot device, such as in the 1936 movie *Things to Come* by H. G. Wells, and has also been deployed in real-life instances such as the 2002 Moscow hostage crisis. Despite its name, sleeping gas is distinct from general anesthesia, which is administered to patients to induce unconsciousness during surgery. While the exact mechanism of action of general anesthesia is not fully understood, recent research suggests that it involves hijacking the neural circuitry responsible for sleep. Understanding the neural underpinnings of sleep and anesthesia has important implications for the development of safer sleeping pills and anesthetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To render a person unable to harm themselves or others |
| Mechanism | Affects the mitochondria, blocking information transfer between cells |
| Effects | Impairments are temporary and non-lethal |
| Side Effects | Possible side effects might not prevent use by criminals; Lethal dose possible |
| Use Cases | Medical, Military, Criminal |
| Real-life Use | 2002 Moscow hostage crisis |
| Medical Use | Preoperative sedation, adjunctive anesthesia maintenance |
| Speed of Induction | Depends on the gas, measured by Alveolar concentration (FA) to inspired concentration (FI) |
| Potency | Measured by Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) |
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What You'll Learn
Incapacitating agents vs. lethal agents
Incapacitating agents are chemical or biological agents that render a person unable to harm themselves or others, regardless of consciousness. They are defined by the Department of Defense as "an agent that produces temporary physiological or mental effects, or both, which will render individuals incapable of concerted effort in the performance of their assigned duties" and are not intended to be lethal. These agents can be psychotropic or physically incapacitating. Psychotropic drugs alter the behaviour of exposed individuals, making them incapable of performing normal functions. Physically incapacitating drugs cause abnormal conditions such as blurred vision, fainting, vomiting, and incoordination.
The use of incapacitating agents dates back to antiquity, with plants from the nightshade family, such as thornapple, being used to induce altered states of mind. More recently, there have been accusations of Soviet use of incapacitating agents internally and in Afghanistan, although these were never substantiated. In 2002, during the Moscow theatre siege, Chechen terrorists took a large number of hostages and threatened to blow up the theatre if any attempt was made to break the siege. An incapacitating agent was used to disable the terrorists, but it also caused the deaths of approximately 15% of the 800 people exposed, likely due to the fentanyl derivatives used.
Lethal agents, on the other hand, are primarily intended to kill. However, the distinction between incapacitating and lethal agents is not always clear-cut. While incapacitating agents are not meant to be lethal, they can still result in death if administered in a potent enough dose or under certain circumstances. For example, the use of LSD or Agent BZ as incapacitating agents can stun an enemy or capture them alive, but there is still a possibility, albeit lesser, of death.
In summary, incapacitating agents are designed to temporarily impair an individual's physical or mental capabilities without causing death, while lethal agents are intended to kill. The effectiveness and safety of incapacitating agents depend on factors such as dosage and individual physiology.
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The use of sleeping gas in medicine
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a colourless, slightly sweet-smelling gas that has been used by physicians and dentists as a sedative since the mid-19th century. It is administered through a mask or nosepiece and works by slowing down the nervous system, inducing a sense of calm and euphoria. It does not put the patient to sleep, but it dulls their sensitivity to pain and reduces anxiety, making it ideal for short or minor procedures.
Nitrous oxide is often used in combination with local anaesthesia to optimise patient comfort. It is a fast-acting and safe sedative option when administered in a healthcare setting, and its effects wear off quickly once the gas flow is turned off. The dosage can be adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure the patient feels the desired effects.
However, moderation is important with nitrous oxide, as frequent exposure can result in vitamin B12 deficiency and other serious health complications. Prolonged vitamin B deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and peripheral neuropathies. Early exposure can also cause cognitive impairment later in life, particularly with N2O, as it can disrupt vitamin B-dependent metabolic pathways. Operating room personnel exposed to trace concentrations of anesthetic gases have been found to have increasing rates of cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor nitrous oxide dosage and frequency carefully to prevent adverse effects.
Other types of anesthetic gases include halothane, isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane. These gases are used as primary therapy for preoperative sedation and adjunctive anaesthesia maintenance alongside intravenous (IV) anesthetic agents. The choice of anesthetic gas depends on various factors, including the speed of induction, potency, and solubility in arterial blood and perfused tissues.
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Safety and side effects
While nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas", is considered safe for use in medical and dental procedures, it is not suitable for everyone. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before receiving nitrous oxide to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Short-term side effects
Short-term side effects of nitrous oxide are uncommon but can occur, especially if the gas is inhaled too quickly or in large quantities. These side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, disappearing once the gas leaves the body. However, in some cases, they can be more serious and long-lasting, such as an increase in blood pressure.
Long-term side effects
While there are no known long-term side effects from short-term exposure to nitrous oxide, frequent or long-term exposure can lead to health complications. Repeated exposure may result in a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause nerve damage and lead to numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes, and limbs. Additionally, recreational use of nitrous oxide can increase the risk of long-term health conditions such as depression.
Overdose
Although rare, it is possible to overdose on nitrous oxide, especially in cases of long-term exposure or receiving too much gas at once. Symptoms of an overdose include tightness in the chest or choking.
Precautions
To minimise the risk of side effects, it is important to disclose your full medical history to your healthcare provider before receiving nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide may not be suitable for individuals with certain respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or those with a history of mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Additionally, it may not be recommended for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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The use of sleeping gas by criminals
Sleeping gas, or an incapacitating agent, is a chemical or biological agent that renders a person unable to harm themselves or others, regardless of their consciousness. While lethal agents are intended to kill, incapacitating agents can also kill if administered in a potent enough dose or in certain scenarios.
Alarms are available to detect sleeping gas attacks and alert potential victims. These alarms can be valuable in preventing crimes or mitigating their impact. Additionally, there is a risk that criminals may not always accurately control the dosage, potentially leading to harmful or even fatal consequences for their victims.
In a notable real-life example, during the 2002 Moscow theatre siege by Chechen terrorists, Russian authorities used an incapacitating agent, later identified as a fentanyl derivative, to disable the terrorists. However, the gas also caused the deaths of approximately 15% of the 800 hostages exposed. This incident underscores the potential dangers of incapacitating agents when used without full knowledge of their effects.
In summary, while the use of sleeping gas by criminals is a concern, it may be less prevalent than portrayed in fiction. The acquisition and administration of such gases can be challenging, and there are risks of harmful side effects. Nonetheless, alarms can provide some protection, and criminals may be willing to use such methods if they are careful or indifferent to the potential lethal consequences.
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Sleeping gas in popular culture
Sleeping gas, often referred to as "knockout gas" in popular culture, has been a staple of detective and science fiction genres. It is typically presented as a harmless method of rendering characters unconscious quickly and temporarily without any physical contact. Notable fictional characters associated with the use of knockout gas include Fu Manchu, Dr. Mabuse, Doc Savage, Batman, and The Avenger.
In H.G. Wells's 1936 movie "Things to Come", a military knockout gas called the "Gas of Peace" is an important plot device. By the 1960s, the concept of knockout gas had become a familiar trope, appearing in X-Men comics and the British TV series "The Prisoner." The Russian Sleep Experiment, a popular creepypasta, recounts an experiment where Soviet-era test subjects are exposed to a stimulant gas that prevents them from sleeping, eventually transforming them into violent, zombie-like creatures. This story has inspired several adaptations, including novels, plays, and films.
In real-life instances, incapacitating agents or "knockout gases" have been used in hostage situations. In the 2002 Moscow theatre siege, Russian authorities used fentanyl derivatives to disable Chechen terrorists who had taken hostages. However, the gas caused the death of approximately 15% of those exposed, including hostages and terrorists.
The use of sleeping gas by criminals and thieves has also been reported, such as in incidents involving campers and train compartments in some parts of Europe. While sleeping gas may be effective, it often comes with undesirable side effects or toxicity risks at higher doses.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping gas, or general anaesthesia, is a drug that knocks you out by hijacking the neural circuitry that makes you fall asleep. It is administered as a primary therapy for preoperative sedation and adjunctive anaesthesia maintenance to intravenous (IV) anaesthetic agents.
Sleeping gas affects the mitochondria in our cells, blocking information transfer between cells and causing unconsciousness. It depresses neurotransmission of excitatory paths involving acetylcholine, glutamate, and serotonin within the central nervous system (CNS) and augments inhibitory signals to provide an adequate level of sedation.
The side effects of sleeping gas depend on the general health of the patient. If the patient is in good health, they will probably have few side effects. If the patient has a chronic disease, their risk of side effects may be higher, and they will need to be monitored closely. Older people and children may experience confusion and delirium for up to a week after surgery. Prolonged exposure to certain sleeping gases can also cause vitamin B deficiency and cognitive impairment later in life.
