Melatonin,Sleep And Insomnia

Hormones and Insomnia Part 1

Abstract Human sleep is characterised by an electrophysiological component, which is recorded by the sleep EEG, and by distinct patterns of the secretion of various hormones. A bidirectional interaction exists between these two components of sleep. During disturbed sleep, changes of sleep EEG and of hormone secretion occur. For example during an episode of depression […]

Hormones and Insomnia Part 2

Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Somatotrophic (HPS) System GH stimulates protein anabolism and tissue growth. Its synthesis and secretion are stimulated by GHRH and ghrelin and are inhibited by somatostatin. All components of the HPS system participate in sleep regulation. GHRH is an important endogenous sleep-promoting factor. In mice the GH receptor gene is found in the region of chromosome […]

Insomnia Among Suicidal Adolescents and Young Adults: A Modifiable Risk Factor of Suicidal Behaviour and A Warning Sign of Suicide? Part 1

Abstract This topic examines existing research literature on sleep difficulties, primarily insomnia and the various dimensions of suicidality among adolescents and young adults as compared to adults. Studies have been grouped into epidemiological studies, clinical studies and reviews. Findings on gender have been given special importance. The literature overview has been complemented by case vignettes […]

Insomnia Among Suicidal Adolescents and Young Adults: A Modifiable Risk Factor of Suicidal Behaviour and A Warning Sign of Suicide? Part 2

Case Vignette 2 N, a 23 year old woman, training to be a painter, came to the psychiatric Outpatient Department (OPD) in September, with complaints of sleep disturbance, primarily early insomnia. The MSE revealed that she had low mood, anhedonia with sleep and appetite disturbances since the last 4 months. She complained of a recurrent […]

Melatonin and Nocturia Part 1

Abstract Nocturnal frequency of urination (nocturia) is common in the elderly, and it is one of the most troublesome urologic symptoms. Urinary frequency interferes with daily activities, while nocturia may also result in sleep disturbance that can cause daytime fatigue as well as worsening the quality of life (QOL). Multiple factors may contribute to the […]

Melatonin and Nocturia Part 2

The Causes of Nocturnal Polyuria Recently, it has been reported that the occurrence of nocturia can be attributed to nocturnal polyuria and/or diminished nocturnal bladder capacity [10,16]. Regarding nocturnal polyuria, it has been reported that the prevalence of nocturia in persons with hypertension is 68% for both men and women [25], and that the mean […]

Melatonin and Nocturia Part 3

Can Melatonin Improve Nocturia? The serum melatonin level was found to be very low in patients with nocturia compared with those patients without nocturia [28]. Moreover, the level was lower in patients with bothersome nocturia compared with patients without this condition [58]. It has also been reported that melatonin is effective for nocturia in patients […]

Melatonin and Other Sleep-Promoting Melatoninergic Drugs Under the Aspects of Binding Properties and Metabolism Part 1

Abstract In humans and other diurnally active mammals, melatonin acts as a sleep-promoting agent, but, for practical purposes, its short half-life in the circulation has been a major obstacle. Two different approaches have intended to overcome this problem, the development of slow-release pills and of other melatoninergic agonists, such as ramelteon and agomelatine, representing two […]

Melatonin and Other Sleep-Promoting Melatoninergic Drugs Under the Aspects of Binding Properties and Metabolism Part 2

Profound Differences in Metabolism and Their Consequences The metabolism of melatonin is highly complex [4, 7, 10, 32, 65], although this fact is not always perceived by researchers. In this regard, one has to distinguish between circulating and tissue melatonin. The hormone, as released from the pineal gland to the circulation, or entering the blood […]

Melatonin for Medical Treatment of Childhood Insomnias

Introduction Sleep disorders in childhood and adolescence are regarded as a common manifestation of symptoms of a disorder, mostly transitory in nature and in many cases caused by unsatisfactory sleep hygiene or maladjusted parent-child interaction during the falling asleep and sleeping through the night process. Furthermore, sleep disorders could exhibit comorbid symptoms with manifestations of […]