2. Melatonin natural hormon regulation of sleep-wake rhythm successfully experienced in shift-workers, jet- lag, chronic insomnia first treatment for sleep difficulties of blind people

3. Physiology

4. Treatment of sleep disorders in blind children neurologically multiply disabled children with chronic sleep-wake rhythm difficulties poor response to sedatives visual impairment

5. Circadin® 2mg, prolonged-release tablet indications : short term-treatment of primary insomnia patients aged 55 or over posology 2mg once daily 1– 2 hours before bedtime for three weeks few adverse effects

6. Interaction with other medicines:  Alcohol  Benzodiazepin and hypnotics Pharmacokinetic properties:  Complete absorption  Low bioavailability (15%)  Hepatic metabolism  Renal elimination

7. Assessment of the French transparency commission (TC) approved in Europe for short-term treatment on primary insomnia in patients aged 55 and over efficacity/tolerability ratio is « favourable in the short term » « low » clinical rating rating to be reassessed 18 months after the product has been approved for reimbursement impact on the consumption of benzodiazepine- type pills in France

8. Conclusion few adverse effects, compared to BZD product was only evaluated over a three-week treatment period efficient in children, less in grown-ups ? further evaluation needed