Hyperpolarization of Neurons

[Mike Hamilton]

	I am curious, I have been reading about the GABA inhibitory 
neurotransmitter, and how the sedatives such as alcohol and barbiturates 
are attributed to their actions on these receptors. The reasoning behind 
it is that a barbiturate would attach to the receptor would would result 
in the opening of a chloride channel, which in turn results in the 
hyperpolarization of the neuro and thus sedation? Could someone explain 
why this hyperpolarization of the neuro would result in sedation? From 
what I understand, the average potential across a neuron is approx. 90mV, 
so why would increasing this sedate a person?

	Thanks
		Mike