Ramelteon has a unique mechanism of action that selectively targets two receptors located in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is known as the body's 'master clock' because it regulates 24-hour, or circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle.
According to the study, patients who received ramelteon before they went to bed five hours earlier than their normal bed time experienced an advancement of dim light melatonin secretion offset compared to placebo, a model used to evaluate a circadian phase-shifting effect.
“For many people, especially those who need to fall asleep earlier than their normal bed time or travelers entering a new time zone, these changes can create a disruption, confusing their natural 24-hour 'body clock,' which keeps them aligned with their environment,” asserted Gary Richardson, senior research scientist at Henry Ford Hospital, Michigan, and lead author in the study. “This study was designed to look at the potential to help people adjust to this time shift, and shows the need for additional studies on the effects of ramelteon in this area.”