An antidepressant that modifies sleep-wake cycles proved effective for treating major depression while also improving the sleep quality of patients in key studies, according to a newly published study. The melatonin-based drug agomelatine was recently approved in Europe and Australia for the treatment of depression, but studies are still under way in the U.S. There is a growing recognition of the link between depression and disturbances in the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle known as circadian rhythm, study researcher Naomi L. Rogers, PhD, tells WebMD.
