The effect of melatonin on sleep quality after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
In this study, we investigated whether melatonin administration could improve postoperative subjective sleep quality and reduce discomfort.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-one patients scheduled for elective ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to oral 5 mg melatonin (n = 60) or placebo (n = 61) for 3 nights after surgery. Subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep timing, and subjective discomfort (fatigue, general well-being, and pain) were measured.


RESULTS
Sleep latency was significantly reduced in the melatonin group (mean [sd] 14 min [18]) compared with placebo (28 min [41]) on the first postoperative night (P = 0.015). The rest of the measured outcome variables did not differ between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Melatonin did not improve subjective sleep quality or discomfort compared with placebo after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Gögenur
Ismail
I
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology D, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Niels Andersens Vej 65, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark. ig@dadlnet.dk
Kücükakin
Bülent
B
Bisgaard
Thue
T
Kristiansen
Viggo
V
Hjortsø
Niels-Christian
NC
Skene
Debra J
DJ
Rosenberg
Jacob
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008550:Melatonin