Drug may help insomniacs over age 55

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A new drug improves sleep and daytime vigilance, helping to re-organize the circadian system, the body's internal clock, an Israeli scientist said. Nava Zisapel, a chemist and neurobiologist at Tel Aviv University developed Circadin, which she says helps re-organize the body's internal clock. The circadian system regulates cell regeneration and other biological activities. Circadin mimics the hormone melatonin -- not only a powerful anti-oxidant protecting DNA but a key player in the regulation of the circadian system. The drug has a profound effect on the blind who don't see light -- a trigger that synchronizes the body's internal clock, Zisapel said. In people age 55 and older -- night-time levels of blood pressure and blood sugar were normalized in those using Circadin during clinical... [read full story]