Could Melatonin Be an Alternative to Benzodiazepine for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Insomnia?

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms, structural pulmonary abnormalities, and airflow limitation [1]. COPD is highly common and is the third leading cause of death worldwide [2]. Sleep disturbance is one of the most common complaints in patients with COPD, and the presence of sleep disorders further deteriorates their quality of life [3]. Symptom exacerbations are associated with poor sleep quality in patients with COPD [4]. Patients with COPD experience sleep fragmentation with frequent arousals, reduced slow-wave, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and lower mean overnight oxygen saturation [5]. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in patients with COPD. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling sleep and remaining asleep, as well as frequent awakenings during the night. InCould Melatonin Be an Alternative to Benzodiazepine for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Insomnia?