{blacktriangledown}Melatonin for primary insomnia?

doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.06.0024

Home > Table of Contents > Article

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2009;47:74-77; doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.06.0024

${blacktriangledown}$ Melatonin for primary insomnia?

^* For more information on marketing authorisations, see DTB 2009; 47: 45–7.

Relevant BNF section: 4.1.1

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, has a keyrole in regulating circadian rhythms, most importantly, thesleep-wake cycle.¹ Melatonin's action has led to its being triedas a treatment for a wide range of sleep disorders, such asjet lag, primary insomnia, sleep-wake cycle disruption and sleepproblems in children with neuro-developmental disorders.²^–⁶Until recently, it had not been licensed in the UK for any indication.Prolonged-release melatonin ( ${blacktriangledown}$ Circadin – Lundbeck) hasnow been licensed as a treatment for primary insomnia. Herewe consider whether this product has a place in the managementof people with this condition.