Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: October 20, 2023
Melatonin and its agonists, circadian rhythms and psychiatry
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa. chrisv@sun.ac.za
Abstract:
The pineal gland has long been implicated in psychiatric disorders, but only after the discovery of melatonin has the physiology behind these theories been better researched and understood, especially its role in chronobiology. The role of melatonin in sleep is well known and the interrelatedness with mood and other disorders is also receiving increasing attention. Circadian rhythm disorders are also common, and often cause psychiatric symptoms, resulting in impairment in daily functioning. Together with other factors, melatonin has an integral role in the pathogenesis and treatment of these conditions. The role of melatonin in various neurological disorders is also of interest and warrants further investigation. Changes in melatonin levels related to ageing have important clinical implications and should be considered in sleep and cognitive disorders in the aged.
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...
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
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...
