The first experience of melatonin administration for correction of sleep disturbances in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Objective. To assess efficacy melatonin administered for correction of sleep disturbances in pts with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods. 3-weeks randomized controlled study of melatonin (Melaxen, Unipharm) 3 mg/day (in the evening) in 20 RA pts with sleep disturbances was performed. Control placebo group included 10 pts comparable with study group. Effect of the drug on insomnia so as on the main clinical and laboratory indices of RA activity was scored. Results. To the end of follow up study group pts showed improvement of sleep quality in comparison with initial. Frequency of such insomnia signs as feeling of dissatisfaction with night sleep, tiredness persistence after sleep and unpleasant feelings during sleep significantly decreased. The general result of treatment with melaxen was assessed by pt and doctor as improvement or significant improvement in 47,4-63,2% of cases. Morning stiffness, swollen and tender joint counts so as pain intensity significantly decreased during treatment. Improper drug tolerability was noted in only one pt. Signs of insomnia and RA activity did not change in placebo group. Conclusion. Melatonin is an effective and safe drug for correction of sleep disturbances in RA pts. It also showed capacity to decrease inflammatory activity of RA.

Keywords

• rheumatoid arthritis
• insomnia
• melatonin