Association Between Sleep and Metabolic Disorders in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Study Objective: To study the association between sleep and metabolic disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to provide data that would prove the efficacy of using melatonin as part of a combination treatment regimen in this patient population. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 patients with PCOS and 60 healthy women (control group). At stage I, we selected 30 patients with PCOS and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (subgroup 1) and 30 patients with PCOS and BMI <25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (subgroup 2). Subgroup 3 included 30 healthy women with BMI >25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, subgroup 4 consisted of 30 healthy women with BMI <25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. All study participants completed a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the severity of sleep disorders. Other study examinations included blood chemistry (glucose and lipid profile) and hormone tests (insulin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone). In addition, insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment. As it was indicated, patients with PCOS received a combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and calcium levomefolate. They were also given metformin and a synthetic analogue of melatonin. Study Results: Women with PCOS had significant dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia. Overall, 70% of patients with BMI <25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> had sleep disorders, which tended to correlate in severity with insulin level. Melatonin helped effectively treat sleep disorders. Conclusion: Polycystic ovary syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach with an assessment for sleep disorders as an essential component. Such patients require long-term medical follow-up.