Melatonin improves sleep in children with epilepsy: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Insomnia, especially maintenance insomnia, is widely prevalent in epilepsy. Although melatonin is commonly used, limited data address its efficacy. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to identify the effects of melatonin on sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy.

Methods

Eleven prepubertal, developmentally normal children aged 6-11 years with epilepsy were randomized by a software algorithm to receive placebo or a 9-mg sustained release (SR) melatonin formulation for four weeks, followed by a one-week washout and a four-week crossover condition. The pharmacy performed blinding; patients, parents, and study staff other than a statistician were blinded. The primary outcomes were sleep onset latency and wakefulness

SUBMITTER: Jain SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4425994 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature