Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a melatonin agonist in the treatment of free running circadian rhythms in patients, including light perception impaired patients, e.g., blind patients, and to methods of measuring circadian rhythm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating an individual suffering from a circadian rhythm disorder or for a sleep disorder, the method comprising:
 determining whether the individual is being administered a CYP1A2 inhibitor;   in the case that the individual is being administered a CYP1A2 inhibitor, discontinuing administration of the CYP1A2 inhibitor;   determining whether the individual is being administered a CYP3A4 inducer;   in the case that the individual is being administered a CYP3A4 inducer, discontinuing administration of the CYP3A4 inducer; and   in the case that administration of the CYP1A2 inhibitor, the CYP3A4 inducer, or both has been discontinued or in the case that it is determined that the individual is not being administered a CYP1A2 inhibitor or a CYP3A4 inducer, administering to the individual a dose of tasimelteon once daily before the individual's bedtime,   thereby avoiding the use of tasimelteon in combination with a CYP1A2 inhibitor or a CYP3A4 inducer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual is light perception impaired (LPI). 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual is totally blind. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual suffers from Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the dose of tasimelteon is 20 mg. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein administering includes orally administering. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CYP1A2 inhibitor is selected from a group consisting of: fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, and verapamil. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CYP3A4 inducer is rifampin.