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Why do we sleep
There is a great physiological need for a good nights sleep if an individual is to feel refreshed and alert during the waking hours that follow. It is also thought that sleep is important for memory and learning, and possibly for maintaining a good immune system. Still, many questions remain to be answered as regards the function of sleep. This is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that people suffering from insomnia also suffer from impaired concentration, impaired memory, and decreased ability to accomplish daily tasks. They are also at greater risk for work related accidents and road accidents, have many sick days, increased use of health care services, and lower perceived quality of life.
What is quality of sleep
Insomnia is usually perceived as related to poor quantity of sleep, meaning either trouble falling or staying asleep. However, poor quality of sleep, whereby the sufferer wakes up feeling unrefreshed, even after adequate hours spent sleep, is a common complaint, especially in the elderly. Poor quality of sleep also negatively affects daytime functioning and the self-perceived quality of life.
What is melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain, secreted at night. It is quickly degraded, but by being continuously secreted all through the night it acts as a sleep regulator and ‘signal of darkness’ in humans. However, in humans, the natural production of melatonin tends to decline with age. Especially in elderly sufferes from insomnia, the production of melatonin is decreased compared to elderly with no sleep complaints.
What is Circadin®
Circadin® is sustained-release melatonin, and acts by increasing the levels of melatonin in the brain. Immediate-release melatonin is otherwise quickly degraded, removing its physiological effect. Circadin® thus mimics natural melatonin secretion and ensures full-night melatonin coverage and a natural sleep pattern. In clinical studies, Circadin® was efficacious in treating insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients aged 55 years or over, and was safe and well tolerated.
If you are a patient and have further questions about Circadin®, please ask your pharmacist or physician.
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