Pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in people with Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #alzheimer-disease #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #melatonin #orexin-receptor-antagonists

Pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in people with Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Bedward et al., 2024 | Expert Rev Neurother | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bedward Amy, Kaur Jasmine, ... Hasan Syed Shahzad. Pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in people with Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Neurother. 2024-May;24(5):527-539. doi:10.1080/14737175.2024.2341004

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving pharmacological interventions for improving sleep in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A systematic literature search in eight databases from January 2000 to July 2023 focusing on RCTs that compared a pharmacological intervention with a placebo for enhancing sleep in people with AD. The authors registered the study protocol at Prospero, followed the PRISMA guidelines, and produced the pooled estimates using random-effect or IVhet models. RESULTS: Eight different interventions and 29 different sleep outcomes were examined in 14 RCTs included in this review. Eszopiclone positively affected sleep efficiency, as did orexin antagonists. However, there was no difference when melatonin was used. The interventions demonstrated low discontinuation rates and a few adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSION: Although melatonin was the most investigated intervention, the evidence for its efficacy is inconclusive. On the other hand, trazodone and orexin receptor antagonists showed promising results; however, more RCTs are needed for definite answers.

Key Findings

Eight different interventions and 29 different sleep outcomes were examined in 14 RCTs included in this review. Eszopiclone positively affected sleep efficiency, as did orexin antagonists. However, there was no difference when melatonin was used. The interventions demonstrated low discontinuation rates and a few adverse drug reactions.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep efficiency

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 14
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Melatonin
  • Orexin Receptor Antagonists
  • Sleep Wake Disorders
  • Sleep
  • Trazodone
  • Eszopiclone
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09