Effects of melatonin on the quality of life in patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare health-related quality of life of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) patients with a random Dutch sample and four samples of patients with other chronic conditions. We also investigated the effectiveness of treatment with 5 mg of melatonin on the quality of life of DSPS patients.


METHODS
Forty-three DSPS patients completed a quality-of-life questionnaire (Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 [MOS SF-36] health survey) just before and 2-9 months after participation in a clinical trial involving the administration of melatonin. Scores were compared with responses to the same survey by a random Dutch sample and by patients with sleep apnea, clinical depression, migraine, and osteoarthritis.


RESULTS
MOS SF-36 scales scores were significantly lower in DSPS patients relative to age- and gender-adjusted norms for the Dutch sample. Some health dimensions were more affected, and others less affected, by DSPS compared with the other chronic conditions. Melatonin treatment improved all scales except the scale "role due to emotional problems."


CONCLUSIONS
DSPS has a unique significant quality-of-life burden that seems to be improved by treatment with melatonin.
Nagtegaal
J E
JE
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hospital De Gelderse Vallei, Ede/Bennekom, The Netherlands. nagtfran@wxs.nl
Laurant
M W
MW
Kerkhof
G A
GA
Smits
M G
MG
van der Meer
Y G
YG
Coenen
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015415:Biomarkers; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008550:Melatonin