THE ROLE OF MELATONIN IN SLEEP DISORDERS

Abstract

Melatonin is the main hormone involved in the control of the sleep-wake cycle. It is easily synthesisable and can be taken orally, which has led to interest in its use as a treatment for insomnia. Moreover, as production of the hormone decreases as we get older, in inverse correlation with the frequency of poor sleep quality, it has been suggested that melatonin deficit is at least partly responsible for sleep disorders. Treating this age-related deficit would therefore come into sight to be a natural way of restoring sleep quality, which is lost as patients age. However, despite the undeniable theoretical appeal of this approach to insomnia, little scientific evidence is available that supports any benefit of this substitutive therapy.Furthermore, the most suitable dose ranges and pharmaceutical preparations for melatonin administration are yet to be clearly defined.