Millions of people take melatonin to improve their sleep, especially when dealing with insomnia or jet lag.
Now researchers believe this naturally produced hormone may have another role by helping relieve certain types of chronic pain.
A new review of clinical research suggests melatonin could offer modest benefits for people with ongoing muscle and joint pain, although it is not a cure and should not replace standard treatments.
Melatonin is produced naturally by the brain at night and helps regulate the body’s daily sleep cycle. Healthy sleep is important because it allows the body and brain to recover. People who sleep poorly often report worse pain, creating a cycle in which pain disrupts sleep and poor sleep increases pain.
Researchers think melatonin may interrupt this cycle in several ways. Besides improving sleep, it may reduce inflammation, protect cells from harmful molecules, calm overly sensitive nerves, and reduce the strength of pain signals reaching the brain. These possible effects have made melatonin an interesting area of medical research.
To investigate, scientists combined findings from 23 clinical trials involving more than 2,000 volunteers. Looking at many studies together provides stronger evidence than relying on a single trial. The review included both chronic pain conditions and pain following surgery.
The strongest evidence was seen in people with long-term muscle and joint pain. Participants experienced small but measurable reductions in pain and reported better sleep. Although the average improvement was not large, even modest pain relief may be meaningful for people living with persistent discomfort every day.
Melatonin was much less helpful after surgery. The review found almost no meaningful improvement in pain or sleep during recovery. This suggests that the hormone may work differently in chronic pain than in short-term pain caused by an operation.
There are still many unanswered questions. Researchers could not determine the most effective dose because the studies used a wide range of amounts. They also do not yet know whether melatonin works better in people who already have sleep problems than in those who sleep normally.
Most experts consider melatonin safe when used for short periods, but it can still cause side effects, including sleepiness during the day, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Anyone with serious medical conditions or who takes other medicines should consult a healthcare professional before using it.
Melatonin is sold differently depending on the country. In some places it is available without a prescription, while in others it is regulated as a prescription medicine. These differences highlight the importance of using it appropriately and under medical guidance when needed.
In analysis, the review provides cautious optimism rather than a breakthrough. Melatonin appears to have real but limited value for chronic muscle and joint pain, especially when sleep problems are also present. More high-quality studies are needed before doctors can confidently recommend the best dose, treatment length, and patient groups most likely to benefit.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage your back pain, and Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
Source: The Conversation.
