Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue in depressed patients and therapeutic response of a sedating antidepressant.

Background: Although sleepiness and fatigue are common symptoms in depressed patients, the relationships among sleepiness, fatigue and treatment of depression have not been fully elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of a sedating antidepressant on sleepiness and fatigue in patients with depression.

Methods: Forty-two depressed patients, who met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and 32 matched healthy controls participated in the baseline measurements.

Impact of orthodontic appliances on sleep quality.

Introduction: Many young patients are asked to wear headgear or functional appliances during sleep as part of their orthodontic treatment. The objective of this clinical study was to assess the impact of these appliances on sleep quality.

Methods: Twenty-two subjects (8 boys, 14 girls) between 10 and 15 years of age wearing either a headgear or a removable appliance for 3 to 12 months were enrolled in a sleep study.

Polysomnographic and symptomatological analyses of major depressive disorder patients treated with mirtazapine.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the effects of mirtazapine on polysomnographic sleep, especially slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, as well as its effects on clinical symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Method: Sixteen MDD patients were treated with mirtazapine 30 mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Polysomnographic and subjective sleep, as well as other clinical data, were collected at baseline and on Days or Nights 2, 9, 16, 30, and 58 during treatment.