From the Guidelines
Melatonin has been studied for its effects on sleep and circadian rhythms, with evidence showing a decrease in sleep latency and increase in total sleep time, but the clinical significance of these findings is unclear.
Effects of Melatonin on Sleep
- A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that melatonin decreased sleep latency by approximately 7 minutes and increased total sleep time by 8 minutes, with a small improvement in sleep quality 1.
- However, the clinical significance of these findings is unclear, and the evidence does not support the use of melatonin for the treatment of chronic insomnia disorder 1.
Melatonin and Circadian Rhythms
- Melatonin is a key biomarker of the central circadian clock, with levels typically rising 1-3 hours before habitual sleep onset time and remaining elevated during the night 1.
- Melatonin production is suppressed by light, even at low levels, and can be affected by postural changes, exercise, and certain substances such as NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and alcohol 1.
Use of Melatonin in Clinical Practice
- The use of melatonin as a treatment for sleep disorders is not supported by strong evidence, and its effects on sleep and circadian rhythms are still being studied 1.
- However, melatonin may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for certain sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, when used in combination with other therapies such as light therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Helps establish normal sleep patterns nighttime sleep aid for occassional sleeplessness
The studied effects of melatonin are to establish normal sleep patterns and act as a nighttime sleep aid for occasional sleeplessness 2.
- The effects of melatonin are related to sleep.
- Melatonin is used for occasional sleeplessness.
From the Research
Studied Effects of Melatonin
The effects of melatonin have been studied in various research papers, including its role in sleep regulation, circadian rhythms, and its potential therapeutic applications. Some of the key findings include:
- Melatonin has been shown to synchronize the circadian rhythms, and improve the onset, duration and quality of sleep 3, 4, 5.
- Melatonin is centrally involved in anti-oxidation, circadian rhythmicity maintenance, sleep regulation and neuronal survival 3.
- Melatonin offers an alternative treatment to the currently available pharmaceutical therapies for sleep disorders with significantly less side effects 3, 6.
- The therapeutic role of melatonin has been demonstrated in sleep disorders, eye damage and cardiovascular disease 6.
- Melatonin has anti-inflammatory effects by adjusting levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α 6.
- Melatonin treatment has been shown to decrease IL-6 and IL-10 expression levels and efficiently attenuate T-cell proliferation 6.
- Melatonin has been found to have a positive impact on sleep disorders in clinical trials, particularly when used in combination with β-blockers 6.
- The use of melatonin has been found to be effective in reducing sleep onset latency in primary insomnia, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and regulating the sleep-wake patterns in blind patients 4.
- Melatonin has been found to have a role in the restorative value of sleep and its sleep-anticipating effects, resulting in attenuated activation of certain brain networks 5.
- Melatonin may have a potential role in the early intervention and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in relation to its effects on sleep quality and circadian rhythms 5.