Could a simple sleep supplement help ease chronic pain? Researchers from the University of Sydney believe the answer may be yes.
Their new research suggests that melatonin, which is commonly used to improve sleep, may also reduce long-lasting muscle and joint pain. If future studies confirm these results, melatonin could become an affordable way to help millions of people while reducing the need for stronger pain medicines.
The research, published in PAIN, reviewed results from 23 carefully designed clinical trials involving 2,028 adults. The participants came from several countries and included people living with chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and patients recovering from major surgery.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects up to 47 percent of people worldwide. Unlike short-term pain after an injury, chronic pain can last for months or even years. It often limits daily activities, reduces quality of life, and can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor sleep. Because pain and sleep influence each other, treating both problems at the same time could provide greater benefits.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the body during the evening to help regulate sleep. It is also available as a medicine or supplement in many countries. Scientists have become interested in melatonin because laboratory studies suggest it may influence inflammation, pain pathways, and the body’s natural healing processes.
After combining all available evidence, the researchers found that melatonin lowered pain scores by around 9 to 10 points on a 100-point scale. This level of improvement was similar to the benefits reported for several commonly prescribed pain medicines. In addition, people taking melatonin generally slept better than those who did not receive it.
The researchers also examined safety. Most participants tolerated melatonin well. Mild headaches, dizziness, and nausea were the most common side effects, but serious complications were not reported. There was also no evidence that people became dependent on melatonin during the studies.
The review found that doses varied widely. Most people with chronic pain used about 3 mg before bedtime, although some studies used up to 10 mg. Because different studies used different doses and treatment periods, the researchers could not recommend one perfect dose for everyone.
The authors stressed that melatonin should not replace established pain treatments. Instead, it may become an additional option that doctors can combine with exercise, rehabilitation, healthy sleep habits, and other medicines when appropriate. This may be particularly helpful for patients whose pain keeps them awake at night.
This study is important because it explores drug repurposing, which means using an existing medicine for a new purpose. Since melatonin has already been widely studied for sleep problems, it may reach patients more quickly than a completely new drug if future research confirms its benefits.
Overall, this review provides encouraging evidence that melatonin may offer a safe, low-cost way to improve both sleep and chronic pain. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend routine use for everyone.
Larger and longer clinical trials are still needed to determine the best dose, the best treatment duration, and which patients benefit the most. Until then, anyone considering melatonin for chronic pain should first discuss it with their doctor.
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Source: University of Sydney.
