Sleep of patients with schizophrenia: On and off melatonin treatment

Contains fulltext : 77352.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Objectives A summary of the main findings in the field of melatonin treatment will be given in order to get a better understanding of its workings and its possible clinical application in patients with schizophrenia. Methods The authors conducted an extensive literature review, using, among others, PubMed and the internet. Results It was shown in many investigations (e.g., Kumar et al., 2007) that in patients with schizophrenia the melatonin level is decreased in both drug free patients and after neuroleptic treatment and the circadian rhythm as well as the rest activity cycle are altered. It was found that melatonin restores the functional efficiency of REM sleep in patients with schizophrenia (Rotenberg, 2007). Conclusion In patients with schizophrenia who are characterized by REM sleep insufficiency, melatonin may help to restore the quality of REM sleep (Rotenberg, 2007)