The effect of prolonged-release melatonin on sleep measures and psychomotor performance in elderly patients with insomnia

Luthringer R, Muzet M, Zisapel N, Staner L

Published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology

Methodology

Single-blind placebo run-in followed by 3-week double-blind randomised comparison of prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg vs placebo with polysomnography and EEG spectral analysis in primary insomnia patients aged 55+

Key Findings

Prolonged-release melatonin shortened sleep onset latency by 9 minutes (P=0.02) and improved perceived sleep quality in half of patients vs 15% on placebo, without altering sleep architecture; no rebound on withdrawal.

Conclusions

Prolonged-release melatonin improved perceived sleep quality in older adults with primary insomnia without impairing daytime psychomotor performance.

Limitations

Very small sample, short treatment period, and benefits were mainly on sleep induction and subjective quality rather than objective sleep maintenance.