Melatonin in Acute Stroke

Stroke is a major cause of debilitation in the first world, with few therapeutic options when it comes to improvement in quality of life and morbidity, besides physical and occupational therapy. It affects people of all nationalities, creeds, and socioeconomic classes through a narrow array of mechanisms. With all those mechanisms, a common outcome is shared: derangement of the brain parenchymal architecture. This derangement is non-selective in its destruction with obscuration of the blood brain barrier and the glymphatic system, and with bleeding as a common sequela; the oxidative stress of the hemoglobin-heme-iron compound causing further injury. This study will measure Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a well-documented inflammatory biomarker that is increased in the acute phase of stroke, and to compare its levels after the administration of melatonin - a well-documented anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant - that regulates circadian rhythm, which helps promote sleep. Any increased time spent in a restful state because of melatonin increases the clearance of waste products after a catastrophic event, like in stroke.