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5-Methoxypsoralen increases evening sleepiness in humans: Possible involvement of the melatonin secretion

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Summary

The acute and short-term effect of 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) on daytime sleepiness was investigated in 12 healthy subjects according to a double-blind cross-over design. 5-MOP (40 mg/day) or placebo was orally administered (one week each) at 16.00 h. 5-MOP significantly increases daytime sleppiness 4 to 5 h after administration without affecting the subsequent sleep efficiency and duration. We found a positive correlation between sleepiness and melatonin levels.

Our findings suggest that the melatonin secretion may play a role in the effect of 5-MOP on sleepiness in humans.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinique de psychiatrie et de psychologie médicale, serv. Pr. G. Darcourt, Hôpital Pasteur, B.P. 69, 06002, Nice, France

    E. Souêtre, E. Salvati, J. -L. Belugou & G. Darcourt

  2. Clinical Psychobiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, bldg 10, room 4S 239, 20817, Bethesda, MD, USA

    E. Souêtre

  3. Laboratoire de radioimmunologie, Dr. B. Krebs Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France

    B. Krebs

Authors
  1. E. Souêtre
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  2. E. Salvati
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  3. J. -L. Belugou
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  4. B. Krebs
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  5. G. Darcourt
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Souêtre, E., Salvati, E., Belugou, J.L. et al. 5-Methoxypsoralen increases evening sleepiness in humans: Possible involvement of the melatonin secretion. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 36, 91–92 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561032

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561032

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