Effects of gabapentin on sleep in menopausal women with hot flashes as measured by a Pittsburgh sleep quality index factor scoring model

Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze gabapentin's effect on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores in menopausal women. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a cohort of menopausal women participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin 300 mg three times daily (TID) for hot flashes. The outcomes of interest were PSQI global and factor scores at weeks 4 and 12. Results: Subjects randomized to gabapentin demonstrated improvement in the sleep quality factor score, compared to placebo-treated subjects, at 4 and 12 weeks (p< 0.03). There was also gabapentin-associated improvement in the global PSQI score (p=0.004) and the sleep efficiency factor score (p=0.05) at 4 weeks. There was no significant effect of gabapentin on the daily disturbance factor score. Conclusions: Gabapentin may improve sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes. These results warrant further prospective investigation, with an emphasis on measuring subjective sleep quality and maintenance.