Occurrence of epileptiform discharges and sleep during EEG recordings in children after melatonin intake versus sleep-deprivation

Abstract Objective To determine if melatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation in inducing sleep without interfering with epileptiform discharges in EEG recordings in children 1–16years old. Methods We retrospectively analysed 129 EEGs recorded after melatonin intake and 113 EEGs recorded after partial sleep deprivation. Comparisons were made concerning occurrence of epileptiform discharges, the number of children who fell asleep and the technical quality of EEG recordings. Comparison between different age groups was also made. Results No significant differences were found regarding occurrence of epileptiform discharges (33% after melatonin intake, 36% after sleep deprivation), or proportion of unsuccessful EEGs (8% and 10%, respectively). Melatonin and sleep deprivation were equally efficient in inducing sleep (70% in both groups). Significantly more children aged 1–4years obtained sleep after melatonin intake in comparison to sleep deprivation (82% vs. 58%, p ⩽0.01), and in comparison to older children with melatonin induced sleep (58–67%, p ⩽0.05). Sleep deprived children 9–12years old had higher percentage of epileptiform discharges (62%, p ⩽0.05) compared to younger sleep deprived children. Conclusion Melatonin is equally efficient as partial sleep deprivation to induce sleep and does not affect the occurrence of epileptiform discharges in the EEG recording. Sleep deprivation could still be preferable in older children as melatonin probably has less sleep inducing effect. Significance Melatonin induced sleep have advantages, especially in younger children as they fall asleep easier than after sleep deprivation. The procedure is easier for the parents than keeping a young child awake for half the night.