Effect of Ramelteon on Smoking Abstinence

Ramelteon, an FDA-approved treatment for insomnia, is used to treat sleep problems (e.g., specifically sleep onset latency) by enhancing melatonin receptor function. The investigators propose a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Fifty chronic smokers will complete a validated procedure for screening new medications. All subjects will receive 8mg ramelteon and placebo. The order in which ramelteon and placebo is received will be randomized across participants. This is a 6-week study consisting of two 2-week medication phases separated by a 2-week washout. Each phase includes 1 week of ad libitum smoking (baseline) and 1 week of medication (ramelteon vs. placebo) plus transdermal nicotine patches while trying to abstain from smoking (quit assessment). Subjects will complete the same procedures during each study phase. Following completion of the study, participants will be offered standard smoking cessation treatment. For the duration of the study, subjects will be asked to keep sleep diaries and to wear an armband while sleeping, which provides objective indices of sleep duration and quality (SensewearPro® armband). The primary outcome will be the total number of days abstinent (out of 5) during each quit assessment period. Intermediate outcomes include sleep onset latency (self-report) and sleep efficiency (SensewearPro®). This study will provide information about the role of the melatonin system during brief abstinence and whether enhancing melatonin reduces abstinence-induced sleep problems that promote smoking relapse. Information obtained in this study may further establish the role of sleep disturbance in promoting smoking relapse.