Effects of melatonin on the quality of life in patients with delayed sleepphase syndrome

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare health-related quality of life of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) patients with a random Dutch sample and four samples of patients with other chronic conditions. We also investigated the effectiveness of treatment with 5 mg of melatonin on the quality of life of DSPS patients. Methods: Forty-three DSPS patients comple ted a quality-of-life questionnaire (Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 [M OS SF-36] health survey) just before and 2-9 months after participation in a clinical trial involving the administration of melatonin. Scores were com pared with responses to the same survey by a random Dutch sample and by pat ients with sleep apnea, clinical depression, migraine, and osteoarthritis. Results: MOS SF-36 scales scores were significantly lower in DSPS patients relative to age- and gender-adjusted norms for the Dutch sample. Some healt h dimensions were more affected, and others less affected, by DSPS compared with the other chronic conditions. Melatonin treatment improved all scales except the scale "role due to emotional problems." Conclusion: DSPS has a unique significant quality-of-life burden that seems to be improved by trea tment with melatonin. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.