Melatonin for the treatment of disorders in circadian rhythm and sleep: could it form a basis for medication?
The various aspects of the existing knowledge on the physiological role of melatonin and its mode of action in circadian rhythms and sleep are presented. Furthermore, the possibility of its clinical application in maintenance of sleep under regular and environmental changes is discussed.
Nir
Isaac
I
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School,PO Box 12065, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. hanafi@savion.cc.huji.ac.il
D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D020179:Jet Lag Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D008550:Melatonin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000188:drug therapy; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy
D008550:Melatonin