Could Melatonin Ease Your Chronic Pain?

Zzz: Melatonin is a crucial hormone for sleep, helping to regulate our circadian rhythm so we can fall asleep and wake up on a regular cycle. Melatonin supplements are common remedies for jet lag and insomnia. A new review from the University of Sydney points to another ailment melatonin may aid: chronic pain.

The Study: Researchers reviewed the results of 23 clinical trials on melatonin’s effect on chronic joint and muscle pain and post-operative pain. Melatonin improved sleep quality and lowered pain scores on a 0-100 scale by nine to 10 points (about the same as NSAIDs). There was no significant improvement for pain or sleep in post-surgery participants.

The Takeaway: Pain and sleep are closely linked. Poor sleep can make pain worse, but pain can make it hard to sleep. Researchers say melatonin has potential to be an alternative for prescription (and dangerously addictive) pain medications. 

Keep In Mind: Most of the participants had existing sleep issues, so it’s unclear if people without sleep problems would experience similar relief. Plus, the timing and doses ranged from 1 mg to 10 mg, so researchers couldn’t pinpoint exactly how much you’d need to take (and when) to get the most benefit.