Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Melatonin May Help Ease Chronic Pain and Improve Sleep
Scientists found that melatonin, a hormone that helps with sleep, might also help reduce long-term muscle and joint pain.
They looked at 23 studies with over 2,000 people and found that melatonin can slightly reduce pain and improve sleep.
However, they say it should not replace regular pain medicines but could be an extra help, especially for people who have both pain and sleep problems.
They also say more research is needed to find the best dose and to make sure it's safe for long-term use.
Melatonin may offer modest benefits in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain and improving sleep quality.
The review analyzed 23 clinical trials involving 2,028 participants.
Melatonin's pain-relieving effects were comparable to some conventional pain medications in certain trials.
Researchers recommend melatonin as an adjunct treatment, not a primary one.
More research is needed to determine the optimal dose and long-term safety.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Sydney
- What
- A review of 23 clinical trials on melatonin's effects on chronic musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality
- When
- Published in the journal PAIN
- Where
- University of Sydney, Australia
- Why
- To assess melatonin's effectiveness in reducing pain and improving sleep in people with chronic and postoperative musculoskeletal pain
- Study Type
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Number of Trials
- 23
- Participants
- 2,028
- Primary Benefit
- Modest pain reduction and improved sleep quality
- Recommended Use
- Adjunct treatment, not primary
- Research Institution
- University of Sydney
- Journal
- PAIN