Date of Award

2014

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ramelteon is effective in improving sleep quality in adult patients with mild to moderate obstructive breathing disorders.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English studies published from 2007 to 2010; two randomized controlled studies and one randomized crossover study.

DATA SOURCES: The double blind randomized placebo controlled crossover trial, randomized double blind placebo controlled two way crossover study and double blind placebo controlled randomized controlled trial were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the studies measured the sleep quality in patients with either obstructive sleep apnea or COPD, which are both forms of chronic obstructive breathing disorders. Sleep quality was measured using a post sleep questionnaire on a seven-point Likert scale or by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

RESULTS: Results from all three studies did not demonstrate any significant improvement in sleep quality in adult patients with mild to moderate obstructive breathing disorders.

CONCLUSIONS: Ramelteon has not been shown to improve sleep quality in adult patients with mild to moderate obstructive breathing disorders in the three studies reviewed.

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