Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders
Auld F, Maschauer EL, Morrison I, Skene DJ, Riha RL
Published in Sleep Medicine Reviews
Methodology
Systematic review of randomised, placebo-controlled trials of exogenous melatonin in adults with primary sleep disorders, graded by evidence quality.
Key Findings
Melatonin showed the strongest evidence for reducing sleep onset latency in primary insomnia and for delayed sleep phase syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders in blind adults; evidence was weaker for improving total sleep time.
Conclusions
Melatonin is effective mainly for sleep onset and circadian realignment rather than sleep maintenance.
Limitations
Heterogeneous doses, timing and formulations across included trials; few long-term studies.
Supplements Studied
Melatonin showed the strongest evidence for reducing sleep onset latency in primary insomnia and for circadian rhythm disorders.
Outcomes Measured
Melatonin is effective for sleep onset and circadian realignment rather than sleep maintenance.
Melatonin is effective for sleep onset and circadian realignment rather than sleep maintenance.
Melatonin is effective for sleep onset and circadian realignment rather than sleep maintenance.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic institutional funding
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