The effect of melatonin supplementation on the quality of sleep and weight status in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effect of melatonin supplementation on the nutritional status of postmenopausal women.


METHODS
The study included 56 women (51-65 years) and 25 healthy women (27-36 years). The emotional state was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the quality of sleep using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were also calculated. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group I (control) - 25 women with normal body weight, group II - 26 postmenopausal women with normal body weight, group III - 30 postmenopausal women with high body weight. In women from group II and III, routine laboratory tests, levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 17β-estradiol, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the concentration of 6-hydroxymelatonin sulphate (6-HMS) in day/night urine fractions were determined. On the day of the examination, women remained on a liquid diet (1800 kcal). Next, a balanced diet of 1500 kcal and 5 mg of melatonin administration were recommended. The follow-up examinations were performed after 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks.


RESULTS
The patients from groups II and III showed similar mild levels of anxiety and depression and a significant degree of sleep disorders. In group III, lower urinary 6-HMS excretion was observed at night. In both groups a negative correlation was found between urinary 6-HMS excretion and the degree of sleep disorders. After 24 weeks, a statistically significant improvement of quality of sleep was obtained. A negative correlation was detected between urinary 6-HMS excretion and BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
Melatonin supplementation contributed to body weight reduction.
Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Ewa
E
Walecka-Kapica
Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Grażyna
G
Klupińska
Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Jan
J
Chojnacki
Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Karolina
K
Tomaszewska-Warda
Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Aleksandra
A
Błońska
Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Cezary
C
Chojnacki
body mass index; melatonin; menopause; sleep disorders