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Open Access 10-05-2022 | Insomnia | Original Article

Effects of melatonin prolonged-release on both sleep and motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary evidence

Authors: Claudio Liguori, Mariana Fernandes, Rocco Cerroni, Raffaella Ludovisi, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Alessandro Stefani, Mariangela Pierantozzi

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 9/2022

Abstract

Background

Sleep-related symptoms, especially insomnia, are frequently reported by patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can markedly affect motor symptoms and impair patients’ quality of life. Melatonin has been shown to improve sleep in PD patients. This pilot study aimed at evaluating the effects of a 3-month treatment with 2 mg melatonin prolonged-release (PR) on sleep and motor disability in PD patients.

Materials and methods

Twelve PD patients under stable antiparkinsonian treatment were enrolled in the study. Before treatment (T0), motor dysfunction was assessed with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and sleep architecture with polysomnography. Subjective sleep quality was also assessed through Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and daytime somnolence with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Patients then started melatonin PR and all measures were repeated at the end of treatment after 3 months (T1).

Results

Sleep latency significantly decreased from T0 to T1, but no other significant differences were found in PSG parameters. Melatonin PR treatment significantly reduced the ESS scores from T0 to T1, while the PSQI scores presented a trend of improvement from T0 to T1. Motor dysfunction was not improved by melatonin PR, although there was a trend in decreasing UPDRS-III. Both clinical global improvement and patient clinical global impression documented an improvement in insomnia symptoms at T1.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that melatonin may improve sleep symptoms in PD patients, although further evidence is needed in larger controlled studies to confirm these results and explore the possible direct and indirect influence of sleep improvement on motor dysfunction.

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Title: Effects of melatonin prolonged-release on both sleep and motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary evidence
Authors: Claudio Liguori
Mariana Fernandes
Rocco Cerroni
Raffaella Ludovisi
Nicola Biagio Mercuri
Alessandro Stefani
Mariangela Pierantozzi
Publication date: 10-05-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Insomnia
Polysomnography
Parkinson's Disease
Movement Disorder
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06111-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of melatonin prolonged-release on both sleep and motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary evidence

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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