Melatonin agonists and insomnia
Date
2010
Authors
Ferguson, S.A.
Rajaratnam, S.M.W.
Dawson, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2010; 10(2):305-318
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
DOI
Abstract
The ability of melatonin to shift biological rhythms is well known. As a result, melatonin has been used in the treatment of various circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as advanced and delayed sleep phase disorders, jet lag and shiftwork disorder. The current evidence for melatonin being efficacious in the treatment of primary insomnia is less compelling. The development of agents that are selective for melatonin receptors provides opportunity to further elucidate the actions of melatonin and its receptors and to develop novel treatments for specific types of sleep disorders. The agonists reviewed here – ramelteon, tasimelteon and agomelatine – all appear to be efficacious in the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders and some types of insomnia. However, further studies are required to understand the mechanisms of action, particularly for insomnia. Clinical application of the agonists requires a good understanding of their phase-dependent properties. Long-term effects of melatonin should be evaluated in large-scale, independent randomized controlled trials.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2010 Expert Reviews