title: Prolonged-release melatonin for the treatment of insomnia in patients over 55 years.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical data show that poor quality, rather than quantity, of sleep corresponds negatively to measures of health, well-being and satisfaction with life. However, until now treatment of insomnia has primarily targeted quantity of sleep. PR (prolonged release)-melatonin offers a new treatment option in insomnia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of PR-melatonin, the first melatonin receptor agonist to be granted marketing authorisation in Europe as monotherapy for the treatment of primary insomnia in patients aged > 55 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review data published in peer review journals and the EMEA (European Medicines Agency) website.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PR-melatonin significantly improves morning alertness and quality of sleep compared with placebo. There are no safety concerns.
authors.affiliation: CPS Research, 3 Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow, G20 0KA, Scotland. alangwade@fastmail.fm
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Downie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008550:Melatonin