Melatonin improves the oocyte and the embryo in IVF patients with sleep disturbances, but does not improve the sleeping problems

Abstract

Purpose We aimed to analyse the in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes of the patients with sleep disturbances who were administered melatonin. Methods A total of 60 patients with sleep disturbances were divided into two groups. The study group (group A, n=30) had underwent the IVF-ET with melatonin administration and the control group (group B, n=30) without melatonin. Sleeping status after melatonin administration and the IVF outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results Sleeping status change was not significant (p>0.05). The mean number of the retrieved oocytes, the mean MII oocyte counts, the G1 embryo ratio were significantly higher in the melatonin administered group (group A) than that the non-administered group (group B); p=0.0001; p=0.0001; p<0.05 respectively. Conclusion IVF patients with sleep disorders may benefit from melatonin administration in improving the oocyte and the embryo quality, but the sleeping problem itself may not be fixed.

Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Fertility

“…Melatonin supplementation (3 mg with duration of treatment lasting from 2 weeks to 3 months) has resulted in improvement of IVF outcomes including number of oocytes retrieved [36], oocyte maturation and quality [36,91,121], fertilization rate [82,113,121], and embryo quality [36,82,91,121]. Improvements in IVF outcomes with melatonin supplementation have also been noted specifically in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [83].…”

“…Sleep disturbances are thought to be common in women undergoing infertility treatment [36] despite minimal data to support this hypothesis [69,70,84]. In one investigation evaluating a heterogeneous group of women in infertility clinic, 34 % answered yes to the question Bdo you experience disturbed sleep^ [84].…”

A Case Control Study of Melatonin with or Without Coenzyme Q10 in Improving Oocyte Quality and Outcomes in In vitro Fertilization

“…The most consistent finding within the melatonin studies has been an increase in MII count 26,30,53 or a higher proportion of immature oocytes developing to maturity after melatonin. 26,27,29 This alights with the theoretical basis of antioxidant therapy in improving mitochondrial function and overcoming arrested development. We did see significant differences in oocyte and MII numbers compared to controls, however as discussed, these were not due to improvements in the case group, but rather reductions in the control group.…”

“…Other studies involving melatonin have examined women who have independent risk factors for high levels of oxidative stress, including poor sleep, 26 late maternal age, 30 or polycystic ovarian syndrome. 28 It must be considered whether antioxidants may have a universal effect on improving oocyte quality or quantity when undergoing the IVF process, or whether only a subgroup of women will respond.…”

“…24 Endogenous melatonin concentrations naturally decrease with age. 25 Although preliminary trials have suggested that melatonin may improve IVF outcomes, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on all randomized controlled trials involving melatonin [26][27][28][29][30] could not show a definite benefit due to the poor quality evidence. 31 Melatonin has an optimal therapeutic window, below which has no clinical effect and above which can be toxic to the oocyte.…”