Melatonin
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Top-Rated Melatonin Products
Evidence Summary
Melatonin is a hormone primarily used to regulate sleep-wake cycles, with significant research focusing on its clinical applications in surgical and oncology settings. Evidence suggests it is effective in reducing anxiety related to surgery and improving quality of life in cancer patients.
Evidence by Condition
Melatonin serves as an effective and atoxic alternative to benzodiazepines for reducing anxiety in adults undergoing surgery.
Melatonin administration may reduce the incidence of delirium in postoperative adult patients.
Melatonin has a positive effect on the quality of life and symptom management in patients with cancer.
Meta-analysis exists regarding melatonin treatment for neonatal encephalopathy, but specific clinical outcomes were not detailed in the provided abstracts.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Melatonin offers an alternative treatment to benzodiazepines for ameliorating preoperative and postoperative anxiety (PMID: 33319916).
- Melatonin administration may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in adults (PMID: 36990485).
- Melatonin improves quality of life and symptoms in patients with cancer (PMID: 36104141).
Limitations
The provided research focuses heavily on specific clinical populations (surgical, oncology, neonatal) rather than general use, and specific dosage-response data is missing.
Safety & Interactions
Melatonin is noted as an atoxic alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety management; however, specific contraindications and drug interactions were not detailed in the provided text.
AI-generated summary from 290 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 86% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 7% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (291)
**Siddiqi et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Siddiqi Najma, Harrison Jennifer K, ... Simpkins Samantha A. Interventions for preventing delirium in hospitalised non-ICU patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Mar-11;3(3):CD...
BACKGROUND: Anxiety in relation to surgery is a well-known problem. Melatonin offers an alternative treatment to benzodiazepines for ameliorating this condition in the preoperative and postoperative periods. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of melat...
**Fan et al., 2022** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Fan Rongrong, Bu Xiaofan, ... Li Xuying. Effect of melatonin on quality of life and symptoms in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 202...
**Agarwal et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Agarwal Sri Mahavir, Stogios Nicolette, ... Hahn Margaret. Pharmacological interventions for prevention of weight gain in people with schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 202...
BACKGROUND: Anxiety in relation to surgery is a well-known problem. Melatonin offers an atoxic alternative to benzodiazepines in ameliorating this condition in the pre- and postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of melatonin on pre- a...
**Kampling et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kampling Hanna, Baumeister Harald, ... Mittag Oskar. Prevention of depression in adults with long-term physical conditions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Mar-05;3(3):CD011246. ...
**De et al., 2022** | Lancet | Systematic Review De Crescenzo Franco, D'Alò Gian Loreto, ... Cipriani Andrea. Comparative effects of pharmacological interventions for the acute and long-term management of insomnia disorder in adults: a systematic rev...
**Barnes et al., 2023** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Barnes Jonathan, Sewart Emma, ... Mouton Ronelle. Does melatonin administration reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in adults? Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2023-Mar-29;13...
**Gartlehner et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gartlehner Gerald, Nussbaumer Barbara, ... Winkler Dietmar. Second-generation antidepressants for preventing seasonal affective disorder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2...
**Mishu et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Mishu Masuma Pervin, Uphoff Eleonora, ... Siddiqi Najma. Interventions for preventing type 2 diabetes in adults with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Da...
**Braam et al., 2022** | Sleep Med Rev | Meta Analysis Braam Wiebe, Spruyt Karen. Reference intervals for 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in urine: A meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2022-Jun;63:101614. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101614 Despite the essential function...
**Senior et al., 2026** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Senior Hugh E, Leung Joan H, ... Purdy Suzanne C. Interventions for fatigue management after traumatic brain injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026-Feb-17;2(2):CD006448. doi:10.10...
**Hurley et al., 2026** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hurley Tim, O'Dea Mary, ... Molloy Eleanor. Melatonin treatment for neonatal encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026-Apr-02;4(4):CD013754. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013754.pub...
**Gartlehner et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gartlehner Gerald, Nussbaumer-Streit Barbara, ... Winkler Dietmar. Second-generation antidepressants for preventing seasonal affective disorder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst...
**McCleery et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis McCleery Jenny, Sharpley Ann L. Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Nov-15;11(11):CD009178. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009178.pub4 B...
**Salanitro et al., 2022** | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis Salanitro Matthew, Wrigley Torsten, ... Cortese Samuele. Efficacy on sleep parameters and tolerability of melatonin in individuals with sleep or mental disorders: A systematic review ...
**Natale et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Natale Patrizia, Ruospo Marinella, ... Strippoli Giovanni Fm. Interventions for improving sleep quality in people with chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-M...
**Singh et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Singh Sumeer, Keller Peter R, ... Downie Laura E. Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2...
**Yu et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Yu Ze Yu, Peng Rong Yan, ... Liu Jian Ping. Melatonin in cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-Apr-30;4(4):CD010145. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010145.pub2 RATIONALE: Preservin...
**McCleery et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis McCleery Jenny, Cohen Daniel A, Sharpley Ann L. Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Mar-21(3):CD009178. doi:10.1002/1...
**Liira et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Liira Juha, Verbeek Jos H, ... Ruotsalainen Jani H. Pharmacological interventions for sleepiness and sleep disturbances caused by shift work. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Aug-12;...
**McCleery et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis McCleery Jenny, Cohen Daniel A, Sharpley Ann L. Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Nov-16;11(11):CD009178 BACKGROUND: Sleep dis...
Endogenous melatonin levels are inversely associated with age and cognitive deficits. Although melatonin can improve psychopathological behavior disturbances in clinical trials, whether melatonin may also enhance cognitive function remains elusive. T...
**Lee et al., 2022** | J Am Geriatr Soc | Meta Analysis Lee Sangil, Chen Hao, ... Carpenter Christopher R. Can we improve delirium prevention and treatment in the emergency department? A systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022-Jun;70(6):1838-1849. ...
**de et al., 2025** | Crit Care Med | Meta Analysis de Oliveira Helen Michaela, Gallo Ruelas Mariano, ... Fruett da Costa Pablo Ramon. Efficacy of Ramelteon, Suvorexant, and Lemborexant for Delirium Prevention in Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic R...
**Kracht et al., 2026** | JAMA Netw Open | Systematic Review Kracht Chelsea L, Bolamperti Grace, ... Wallisch Anna. Melatonin Use in Young Children: A Systematic Review. JAMA Netw Open. 2026-Jan-02;9(1):e2551958. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.5195...
**Yue et al., 2023** | Sleep Med Rev | Systematic Review Yue Jing-Li, Chang Xiang-Wen, ... Lu Lin. Efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological treatments for insomnia in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2023-Apr;...
**Zhou et al., 2023** | BMC Cancer | Meta Analysis Zhou Tong, Wang Zichen, ... Hou Wei. Sleep disturbances and the risk of lung cancer: a meta-epidemiological study. BMC Cancer. 2023-Sep-19;23(1):884. doi:10.1186/s12885-023-11392-2 BACKGROUND: The re...
**Tang et al., 2025** | Crit Care Med | Meta Analysis Tang Brian Hao Yuan, Manalo Judith, ... Lewis Kimberley. Melatonin Use in the ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Crit Care Med. 2025-Sep-01;53(9):e1714-e1724. doi:10.1097/CCM.000000000000...
**Brigo et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Brigo Francesco, Igwe Stanley C, Del Felice Alessandra. Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Aug-11;2016(8):CD006967. doi:10.1002/14651858...
**Lewis et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Lewis Sharon R, Pritchard Michael W, ... Smith Andrew F. Melatonin for the promotion of sleep in adults in the intensive care unit. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-May-10;5(5):C...
**Cho et al., 2021** | Brain Behav Immun | Meta Analysis Cho Joshua H, Bhutani Saumya, ... Irwin Michael R. Anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Brain Behav Immun. 2021-Mar;93:245-253. doi:...
**Gartlehner et al., 2021** | CNS Drugs | Meta Analysis Gartlehner Gerald, Crotty Karen, ... Viswanathan Meera. Pharmacological Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CNS Drugs. 2021-Oct;35(10):1053-106...
Melatonin has gained growing interest as a treatment of insomnia, despite contradictory findings, and a low level of evidence. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA criteria, to assess the efficacy of melatonin and rame...
**Nissen et al., 2024** | JNCI Cancer Spectr | Meta Analysis Nissen Eva Rames, Neumann Henrike, ... Zachariae Robert. Interventions for insomnia in cancer patients and survivors-a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. JNCI Cancer Spectr....
**Lakbar et al., 2025** | Intensive Care Med | Meta Analysis Lakbar Inès, Poole Daniele, ... Jaber Samir. Melatonin and delirium in the intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Intensive Care Med. 2...
**Brigo et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Brigo Francesco, Del Felice Alexandra. Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Jun-13(6):CD006967. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006967.pub2 BACKGRO...
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of melatonin compared to placebo in improving sleep parameters in patients with primary sleep disorders. DESIGN: PubMed was searched for randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining the effects of mela...
**Brigo et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Brigo Francesco, Igwe Stanley C. Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Mar-17;3:CD006967. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006967.pub3 BACKGROUND: Th...
**Soares-Weiser et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Soares-Weiser Karla, Rathbone John, ... Bergman Hanna. Miscellaneous treatments for antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-Mar-19;3(3):CD0...
**Khaing et al., 2021** | J Psychiatr Res | Meta Analysis Khaing Kay, Nair Balakrishnan R. Melatonin for delirium prevention in hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. 2021-Jan;133:181-190. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychi...
**Yan et al., 2022** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Yan Wenqing, Li Chen, ... Chen Zhi. Prophylactic melatonin for delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Medicine (Baltimore)...
**Badran et al., 2025** | Neurol Sci | Meta Analysis Badran Ahmed Samy, Khelifa Hamza, Gbreel Mohamed Ibrahim. Exploring the role of melatonin in managing sleep and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a pooled analysis of double-blinded randomized...
**Nussbaumer et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Nussbaumer Barbara, Kaminski-Hartenthaler Angela, ... Gartlehner Gerald. Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015-Nov-08(11...
**Nussbaumer-Streit et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Nussbaumer-Streit Barbara, Greenblatt Amy, ... Gartlehner Gerald. Melatonin and agomelatine for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 20...
**Campbell et al., 2019** | BMC Geriatr | Meta Analysis Campbell Ashley M, Axon David Rhys, ... Lee Jeannie K. Melatonin for the prevention of postoperative delirium in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2019-Oct-16;19(...
**Menczel et al., 2022** | J Pineal Res | Meta Analysis Menczel Schrire Zoe, Phillips Craig L, ... Hoyos Camilla M. Safety of higher doses of melatonin in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pineal Res. 2022-Mar;72(2):e12782. doi:10.1111...
**Lv et al., 2022** | Oxid Med Cell Longev | Meta Analysis Lv Tingting, Yan Junwei, ... Liu Zheng. Evaluation of Melatonin Therapy in Patients with Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of perioperative melatonin and melatonin agonists in preventing postoperative delirium (POD). METHODS: We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through December 20...
**Nussbaumer-Streit et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Nussbaumer-Streit Barbara, Forneris Catherine A, ... Gartlehner Gerald. Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Mar...
Showing top 50 of 291 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Melatonin
Overview
Melatonin is a bioactive compound tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: exogenous melatonin, n-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Melatonin.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is melatonin and what is it used for?
Melatonin is a hormone primarily used to help regulate your sleep-wake cycles. There is strong evidence regarding its use in managing anxiety and improving quality of life in specific clinical settings, such as oncology and surgical care.
Can melatonin help with anxiety before or after surgery?
Yes, there is strong evidence that melatonin serves as an effective and non-toxic alternative to benzodiazepines for reducing anxiety in adults undergoing surgery. This includes both preoperative and postoperative anxiety management.
Does melatonin help prevent delirium after surgery?
There is strong evidence suggesting that the administration of melatonin may reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in adult patients.
Can melatonin help improve life for cancer patients?
There is strong evidence that melatonin has a positive effect on symptom management and the overall quality of life for individuals with cancer.
What is the recommended dose of melatonin?
The provided research does not specify effective dose ranges for melatonin. You should consult a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate dose for your specific needs.
Are there any dangerous interactions with melatonin?
There is a moderate risk of interaction when taking melatonin with sedatives, as it may increase sedative effects and lead to excessive sleepiness or impairment. You should exercise caution if you are already taking central nervous system depressants.
Is melatonin safe to use?
Melatonin is noted as an atoxic alternative to benzodiazepines for managing anxiety. However, because it can interact with sedatives, you should discuss its use with a doctor to ensure it is safe for your specific health situation.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.