TRIALS OF BRIGHT LIGHT EXPOSURE AND MELATONIN ADMINISTRATION IN A PATIENT WITH NON-24 HOUR SLEEP-WAKE SYNDROME

We report a patient with non-24 h sleep-wake syndrome (non-24) whose f ree-running sleep-wake cycle was successfully treated with both schedu led bright light exposure and melatonin treatment. In the present stud y, morning bright light as well as evening melatonin phase-advanced sl eep-wake cycles and melatonin rhythm. Both these procedures achieved a ppropriate entrainment to a 24 h day. However, the patient did not con tinue morning bright light therapy after the discharge. Rising at appr opriate times in the morning for bright light therapy was difficult fo r him to continue. Melatonin treatment was better tolerated because of its ease of application.