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Vitamin B12 treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome: a multi-center double-blind study
M Okawa1, K Takahashi, K Egashira
1National Institute of Mental Health, Ichikawa-shi, Jpan.
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Methylcobalamin (active vitamin B12) did not improve sleep-wake rhythm disorders in a double-blind study. This research found no significant benefits for delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) patients treated with methylcobalamin.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The active form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, has shown potential for treating sleep-wake rhythm disorders.
- Previous research was limited by open-trial designs, necessitating rigorous evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of methylcobalamin in treating delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS).
- To provide a robust, double-blind assessment of methylcobalamin's effects on DSPS.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- 50 patients diagnosed with DSPS received either 3 mg of methylcobalamin daily or a placebo.
- Sleep quality and daytime symptoms were monitored using sleep logs and subjective evaluations.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between the methylcobalamin and placebo groups.
- Subjective assessments of mood, daytime drowsiness, and night sleep showed no improvement with methylcobalamin treatment.
- Sleep-log evaluations did not reveal any significant changes in sleep patterns.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that 3 mg of methylcobalamin daily for 4 weeks is not an effective treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome.
- Further research may be needed to explore other dosages or forms of vitamin B12 for sleep disorders.