Melatonin not effective for sleep disorders

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A review suggests the sleep hormone melatonin does not help with insomnia.
Melatonin is a popular remedy for jet lag. It is a hormone which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and, the argument goes, can normalize a cycle that has been disrupted by long distance travel.

Researchers in Alberta, Canada have been looking at the evidence for melatonin. They examined its impact on two groups of people. The first were those having so-called secondary sleep disorders – that is, insomnia coming from medical, including neurological, disorders or substance misuse. The second included those affected by jet lag or shift work. They conclude that melatonin is not effective in treating any of the sleep disorders studied. The evidence did, however, suggest that melatonin is safe for short term use. Further research is needed to determine if it is safe in the long term.

Source
BMJ Online First 9th February 2006

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