Now available in pharmacies, melatonin or "sleep hormone" may be proposed to reduce insomnia in more than 55 years. Insomnia, multiple awakenings, difficulty falling asleep ... Sleep disorders affect between 25 and 40% of people over 55 years. But the rate of melatonin, a hormone essential for good quality sleep, tends to decrease with age. To correct this deficit and to help overcome insomnia, medication containing melatonin, CIRCADIN is now available.Melatonin, the hormone of sleep
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the epiphysis (pineal gland or in the center of the brain) plays a crucial role in the sleep-wake cycle. Under normal circumstances, it is released from the dark to facilitate sleep. Secretion reached a peak between 2 and 4 o'clock in the morning and then decreases during the second half of the night to prepare the clock.
Among the elderly, the production of melatonin is often insufficient, which may cause sleep disorders. To find a sleep, take melatonin, which "resynchronize" the internal clock, can be effective.
Better sleep without the risk of addiction?
The CIRCADIN first medication containing melatonin to be marketed in Europe, thus making his entry in our pharmacies. By gradually releasing melatonin, it mimics the natural secretion. According to two studies, it reduced, albeit modestly, the sleep of the elderly.
But CIRCADIN has many advantages compared to conventional sleeping pills, beginning with a low risk of side effects. It reduces the time needed to fall asleep (sleep latency) without inducing drowsiness the next day. In addition, there is no risk of dependence, in contrast to drugs used as sedatives such as benzodiazepines.
It is stated after 55 years in case of insomnia "primary", ie not explained by illness or a psychological or environmental cause.
In practice, CIRCADIN should be taken for 3 weeks, one tablet per day (2 mg) 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and after meals. It is not reimbursed to date by Social Security.
Why access is restricted to over 55 years?
OTC in many countries, melatonin has been used for several years against sleep problems or fatigue due to jetlag. Several studies have not confirmed it also paid for anticancer or anti-aging properties, which aroused a strong passion for this "miracle hormone". Sold as a "natural", it is presented in the United States as a nutritional supplement ....
Yet it is a drug whose long-term effects are not known, which explains the strict controls related to the marketing of CIRCADIN in Europe. Its effectiveness and safety have not been confirmed at least 55 years, CIRCADIN is available by prescription only after this age, particularly for its possible contribution to reducing the consumption of benzodiazepines in France. The High Authority of Health will review the drug in terms of the consumption of benzodiazepines and complementary follow-up studies.
If melatonin can help you sleep better, but do not include measures of basic hygiene to avoid insomnia: take advantage of daylight by walking every day, avoid naps after eating or watching television, and limit coffee or tea in the afternoon and stimulants of any kind (video games, ...), caffeine before bedtime!
