Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#central-nervous-system-depressants #humans #melatonin #sleep-stages #sleep-wake-disorders

Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Li et al., 2019 | Front Neuroendocrinol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Li Tian, Jiang Shuai, ... Yang Yang. Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2019-Jan;52:22-28. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.06.004

Abstract

Melatonin is a physiological indoleamine involved in circadian rhythm regulation and it is currently used for secondary sleep disorders supported by empirical evidence. A small amount of evidence and some controversial results have been obtained in some randomized controlled trials (RCT). The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy of exogenous melatonin versus placebo in managing secondary sleep disorders. Literature retrieval of eligible RCT was performed in 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science). In total, 7 studies of 205 patients were included. Pooled data demonstrate that exogenous melatonin lowers sleep onset latency and increases total sleep time, whereas it has little if any effect on sleep efficiency. Although, the efficacy of melatonin still requires further confirmation, this meta-analysis clearly supports the use of melatonin as a management for patients with secondary sleep disorders.

Key Findings

Although, the efficacy of melatonin still requires further confirmation, this meta-analysis clearly supports the use of melatonin as a management for patients with secondary sleep disorders.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep onset latency
  • sleep efficiency

Population

Field Value
Population secondary sleep disorders
Sample Size 205
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Sleep Stages
  • Sleep Wake Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

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