title: [Effects of melatonin on circadian time keeping system].
abstract: This paper is intended to provide an overview of a physiological role of melatonin (MLT) in sleep-wake regulation. In human MLT studies, MLT has significantly increased sleepiness and fatigue during the daytime but not at night, which indicates time-dependent sleep-promoting effect of MLT. Op the other hand, MLT is known to have phase-shifting effect of biological clock. Phase response curve (PRC) for MLT administration was introduced in human studies. Successful melatonin treatments for circadian rhythm sleep-disorders based on PRC have been reported. MLT is known to decrease core body temperature. Effects of MLT on sleep-wake cycle may be mediated by a combination of sleep-promoting and phase-shifting actions and may involve the temperature lowering effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuropsychiatry, Akita University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mishima
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okawa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin