Melatonin does not influence sleep deprivation electroencephalogram recordings in children

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an essential diagnostic tool in children with epilepsy. The recording of a sleep EEG can increase the yield of EEG recordings in certain epileptic syndromes. The primary aim of this study was to assess the influence of melatonin on EEG recording (quality, EEG characteristics) and to assess its efficacy to induce sleep. Children with epilepsy or non-epileptic neurological patients requiring sleep deprivation EEG studies were enrolled into this prospective study at a tertiary University Hospital study. Sequential recording of sleep deprivation EEGs both with and without prior administration of melatonin was performed. A total of 50 patients (27 with epilepsy, 23 non-epileptic neurological patients) were included in this study (median age 9.5 years; range 1-18 years; male 28). The quality and EEG characteristics (abnormal findings, depth of sleep) were not affected by the use of melatonin. In total, 92 of 100 EEGs were successfully performed without significant differences between the two groups (six failures with melatonin, two failures without melatonin; p = 0.289).

We conclude that melatonin does not alter the quality of sleep EEG studies in children with epilepsy or suspected epilepsy. Melatonin does not increase the rate of successfully performed EEG studies in sleep-deprived children.