Melatonin Cuts Chronic Pain by 9 Points in 2,028-Patient Review
Updated
Updated · Sci.News · Jul 1
Melatonin Cuts Chronic Pain by 9 Points in 2,028-Patient Review
3 articles · Updated · Sci.News · Jul 1
Summary
23 randomized trials involving 2,028 patients found melatonin lowered chronic musculoskeletal pain by nearly nine points on a 100-point scale versus combined comparators.
The PAIN review linked that benefit partly to better sleep quality, with researchers saying the effect size was roughly comparable to common NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Mild nausea, dizziness and headache were the main side effects, generally occurring at rates similar to placebo across the studies reviewed.
Doses varied from 3 to 10 mg for chronic pain, and the authors found no clear best dose, advising patients to use melatonin only with medical guidance.
Researchers said the supplement should be considered an adjunct—not a replacement—for standard pain treatment, especially for patients whose pain is tied to poor sleep.
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Melatonin Reduces Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain by 9–10 Points: 2026 Meta-Analysis Reveals Comparable Efficacy to OTC Painkillers and Added Sleep Benefits
Overview
A major 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis brought new attention to melatonin as a potential adjunctive therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. By analyzing data from 23 randomized controlled trials with over 2,000 participants, the review found that melatonin led to a modest but clinically meaningful reduction in pain intensity—about 9 to 10 points on a 100-point scale. This level of pain relief is similar to what is seen with common over-the-counter painkillers. Additionally, melatonin improved sleep quality and showed a favorable short-term safety profile, though information on its long-term safety remains limited.