A systematic review of peri-operative melatonin

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anxiety #humans #melatonin #postoperative-pain #perioperative-care

A systematic review of peri-operative melatonin

Andersen et al., 2014 | Anaesthesia | Meta Analysis

Citation

Andersen L P H, Werner M U, ... Gögenur I. A systematic review of peri-operative melatonin. Anaesthesia. 2014-Oct;69(10):1163-71. doi:10.1111/anae.12717

Abstract

We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of peri-operative melatonin. We included 24 studies of 1794 participants that reported eight peri-operative outcomes: anxiety; analgesia; sleep quality; oxidative stress; emergence behaviour; anaesthetic requirements; steal induction; and safety. Compared with placebo, melatonin reduced the standardised mean difference (95% CI) pre-operative anxiety score by 0.88 (0.44-1.33) and postoperative pain score by 1.06 (0.23-1.88). The magnitude of effect was unreliable due to substantial statistical heterogeneity, with I(2) 87% and 94%, respectively. Qualitative reviews suggested the melatonin improved sleep quality and emergence behaviour, and might be capable of reducing oxidative stress and anaesthetic requirements.

Key Findings

Qualitative reviews suggested the melatonin improved sleep quality and emergence behaviour, and might be capable of reducing oxidative stress and anaesthetic requirements.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1794
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Anxiety
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Postoperative Pain
  • Perioperative Care
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09