From the Research
Melatonin may help lower blood pressure, particularly in people with hypertension, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Findings
- The study found that controlled-release melatonin significantly reduced nocturnal blood pressure, with systolic blood pressure decreasing by -6.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreasing by -3.5 mmHg 1.
- The mechanism of melatonin's antihypertensive action is thought to involve relaxing blood vessels, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, and acting as an antioxidant that protects blood vessels 2, 3.
- Melatonin may be particularly beneficial for people with disrupted sleep patterns or night shift workers whose natural melatonin production is affected 3.
Important Considerations
- Melatonin should not replace prescribed blood pressure medications, and anyone with hypertension should consult their healthcare provider before starting melatonin supplements, especially if they're already taking blood pressure medications, as interactions are possible 4.
- Side effects of melatonin are generally mild but can include dizziness, headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
Recommendations
- Based on the available evidence, controlled-release melatonin may be a useful adjunctive treatment for nocturnal hypertension, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare provider 1.
- Further research is needed to determine the long-term beneficial effects of controlled-release melatonin in patients with nocturnal hypertension.