Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #dietary-supplements #humans #melatonin #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Fatemeh et al., 2022 | J Neurol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fatemeh Gholami, Sajjad Moradi, ... Khadijeh Mirzaei. Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neurol. 2022-Jan;269(1):205-216. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-10381-w

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Present study was conducted to systematically review the effect of the melatonin on sleep quality. We summarized evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of melatonin on sleep quality as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in adults with various diseases. METHODS: The literature searches of English publications in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were performed up June 2020. Results were summarized as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Q test and I-squared (I2). To determine the predefined sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 2642 papers, 23 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Our results indicated that melatonin had significant effect on sleep quality as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (WMD: - 1.24; 95% CI - 1.77, - 0.71, p = 0.000). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 80.7%, p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis based on health status and kind of intervention were potential between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on health status revealed melatonin intervention in subjects with Respiratory diseases (WMD: - 2.20; 95% CI - 2.97, - 1.44, p = 0.000), Metabolic disorders (WMD: - 2.74; 95% CI - 3.48, - 2.00, p = 0.000) and sleep disorders (WMD: - 0.67; 95% CI - 0.98, - 0.37, p = 0.000) has significant effect on sleep quality. CONCLUSION: We found that the treatment with exogenous melatonin has positive effects on sleep quality as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in adult. In adults with respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, primary sleep disorders, not with mental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases.

Key Findings

Of 2642 papers, 23 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Our results indicated that melatonin had significant effect on sleep quality as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (WMD: - 1.24; 95% CI - 1.77, - 0.71, p = 0.000). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 80.7%, p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis based on health status and kind of intervention were potential between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on health status revealed melatonin intervention in subjec

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index)

Population

Field Value
Population respiratory diseases
Sample Size 23
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep Quality
  • Sleep Wake Disorders

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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