POOR SLEEP QUALITY, CHRONIC PAIN, AND MELATONIN

Resumen

Objective: Considering that inflammatory responses affect the nocturnal peak of melatonin and that sleep interruption activates inflammatory mechanisms that trigger changes in the effector systems that regulate the immune system, increasing the inflammatory response and pain, this study investigates the efficacy of melatonin as a treatment for the symptoms of the poor sleep quality and pain in the endometriosis. Methods: Endometriosis was diagnosed by medical history and imaging tests (ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging). Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Patients were treated with exogenous melatonin and signs of inflammation were assessed before and after treatment. Results: There was an improvement in sleep quality with melatonin compared with the placebo group, with no evidence of side effects. The dose of 3g exogenous melatonin was not effective for the symptom of pain. Conclusion: The poor sleep quality associated with the inflammatory state of endometriosis was controlled by the exogenous use of melatonin, reinforcing the role of sleep induction in conditions associated with chronic inflammation. However, melatonin was not effective in the pain state during treatment. The mechanisms involved in the modulation of pain in relation to the functional mechanisms of melatonin should be further investigated.