Melatonin Tea Before Colonoscopy
Yes, melatonin tea is safe to consume the day before a colonoscopy and can be continued through the perioperative period.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) explicitly recommends continuing melatonin in the perioperative period 1. This guidance applies directly to colonoscopy preparation, as the procedure involves sedation similar to other perioperative settings.
Key Supporting Evidence
Melatonin is safe perioperatively: A Cochrane review concluded that preoperative melatonin reduces anxiety compared with placebo in adults and may be as effective as midazolam 1
No interference with bowel preparation: Melatonin does not affect bowel cleansing quality, gastrointestinal motility, or the efficacy of colonoscopy preparation agents 1
Additional benefits: Melatonin may decrease delirium in hospitalized elderly patients, providing potential protective effects during the procedure 1
Practical Considerations
Timing and Dosing
- Continue your usual melatonin tea consumption through the day before colonoscopy 1
- Melatonin can be taken up to 2 hours before the procedure, consistent with American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines for clear liquids 1
What Actually Matters for Bowel Preparation
The colonoscopy guidelines focus on factors that genuinely affect preparation quality 1:
- Dietary restrictions: Low-residue/low-fiber diet only on the day before colonoscopy 1, 2
- Timing of bowel purgative: Complete the last dose at least 2 hours before the procedure 1
- Split-dose regimen: Strongly recommended over day-prior-only dosing 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse melatonin with supplements that should be held before colonoscopy, such as 1:
- Fiber supplements (psyllium) - can worsen preparation quality
- Iron supplements - should be stopped 7 days before 2
- Antiplatelet herbs (ginseng, garlic) - hold 2 weeks before
Bottom Line
Melatonin tea poses no risk to colonoscopy preparation or sedation safety and can be continued without interruption. The available evidence demonstrates melatonin is safe in the perioperative period with potential anxiety-reducing benefits 1. Focus instead on proper bowel preparation timing and dietary modifications, which are the actual determinants of colonoscopy success 1, 2.