Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Meta-Analysis Shows Modest but Consistent Benefits
How Effective Is Melatonin for Treating Sleep Disorders According to Meta-Analysis?
This comprehensive meta-analysis of melatonin studies shows modest but consistent benefits for primary sleep disorders, with melatonin reducing sleep onset time by an average of 7 minutes and improving overall sleep quality ratings. While the effects are statistically significant across multiple studies, they are generally smaller than those seen with prescription sleep medications or behavioral interventions like CBT-I. The analysis found that melatonin is most effective for circadian rhythm disorders and jet lag, with more limited benefits for primary insomnia, but it offers a safe, well-tolerated option for people seeking natural sleep aids.


