Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders
Ferracioli-Oda E, et al.
Published in PLoS One
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of melatonin in adults and children with primary sleep disorders, pooling polysomnographic and actigraphic sleep parameters.
Key Findings
Pooled across 19 randomized trials, melatonin shortened sleep onset latency by roughly 7 minutes, increased total sleep time by about 8 minutes and improved overall sleep quality versus placebo; effects were modest but did not diminish with continued use.
Conclusions
This meta-analysis demonstrates that melatonin decreases sleep onset latency, increases total sleep time and improves overall sleep quality. The effects of melatonin on sleep are modest but do not appear to dissipate with continued melatonin use.
Limitations
Small absolute effect sizes, heterogeneity in melatonin dose, formulation and timing, varied populations and generally short trial durations.
Supplements Studied
This meta-analysis demonstrates that melatonin decreases sleep onset latency, increases total sleep time and improves overall sleep quality.
Outcomes Measured
Melatonin demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing sleep latency (WMD = 7.06 minutes) and increasing total sleep time (WMD = 8.25 minutes).
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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