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Pharmacological Management of Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Delirium.

Journal of clinical pharmacology
March 1, 2025
Erik A Levinsohn et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore the pharmacology and potential benefits of melatonin in re-regulating sleep-wake cycle disruptions in delirium.

Results Summary

The study suggests melatonin may have a possible benefit in addressing sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium, though evidence is not definitive. Current literature indicates it could be a therapeutic option, but further research is needed.

Population

Patients with delirium, particularly those experiencing sleep-wake disturbances.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (4)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
ramelteon
increase
re-regulation of sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium
-
-
possible benefit
#1
melatonin
increase
re-regulation of sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium
-
-
possible benefit
#2
dexmedetomidine
increase
re-regulation of sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium
patients in the ICU setting
-
possible benefit
#3
dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs)
increase
re-regulation of sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium
-
-
possible benefit
#4
Abstract

Delirium is a heterogeneous syndrome primarily characterized by fluctuations in attention and awareness. Sleep-wake disturbances are a common and significant feature of delirium and can manifest as circadian rhythm inversion, sleep fragmentation, and reduced rapid eye movement (REM) and slow-wave sleep. Some literature suggests that the relationship between sleep disruption and delirium is reciprocal wherein the two reinforce one another and may share an underlying etiology. As there are no FDA-approved medications for delirium or delirium-related sleep disturbances, management is primarily focused on addressing underlying medical concerns and promoting physiologic circadian patterns with non-pharmacological behavioral interventions. In practice, however, medications are often used, albeit with limited evidence to support their use. This literature review explores the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of several medications with literature investigating their use in delirium: melatonin, ramelteon, dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), and dexmedetomidine. Current evidence suggests a possible benefit of ramelteon or melatonin, dexmedetomidine for patients in the ICU setting, and DORAs as therapeutic options for the re-regulation of sleep-wake cycle disruption in delirium. We discuss pertinent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors that may influence clinical decision-making regarding these interventions.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansDeliriumMelatoninSleep Wake DisordersOrexin Receptor AntagonistsIndenesDexmedetomidine
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.78
Normalized Score0.64
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