Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: October 20, 2023
Prolonged-release melatonin for the treatment of insomnia in patients over 55 years
1CPS Research, 3 Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow, G20 0KA, Scotland. alangwade@fastmail.fm
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.
Objectives:
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.
Results/Conclusion:
PR-melatonin significantly improves morning alertness and quality of sleep compared with placebo. There are no safety concerns.
Related Concept Videos
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
