A Clinical Trial of Melatonin in Elderly Patients with Insomnia

Authors

  • NR Doshi Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Universal College of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa
  • CR Das Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur
  • D Sah Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i3.8764

Keywords:

Aging, Circadian rhythm, Insomnia, Melatonin, Quality of sleep, Sleep disturbances

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The quality of life in the fast ageing population in the twentieth century is of great importance. Insomnia and melatonin levels in the geriatric population greatly affect sleep quality thereby also affecting blood pressure, mood changes and immune functions in this large segment of population.

AIM: To study the effect of melatonin in elderly persons with insomnia  whether it restores sleep quality and sleep duration.

METHODS: Insomnia is defined as inadequate sleep. Thirty subjects participated in the study, 20 females and 10 males. The study was conducted on subjects attending the OPD at the Nepalgunj Medical College & Teaching Hospital at Kohalpur between December 2008 and March 2010. Age group of the subjects ranged from 36 years to 80 years. All subjects were administered melatonin 3 mgm tablets before going to bed for 10-20 days. All data obtained were subjective relying on patient's recall and compliance.

RESULTS: In 26 patients the quality of sleep was good and they felt relaxed and cheerful. In 15 patients melatonin was combined with alprazolam 0.25 mgm. Adverse effects were reported by a few subjects (like tachycardia, headache & depression). One case reported hypothermia.

CONCLUSION: Melatonin has a beneficial effect in elderly subjects with insomnia.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i3.8764

 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(3) 2013: 42-45

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Published

2013-09-28

How to Cite

Doshi, N., Das, C., & Sah, D. (2013). A Clinical Trial of Melatonin in Elderly Patients with Insomnia. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 1(3), 42–45. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i3.8764

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Original Articles

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