A new study has revealed the possibility of an additional benefit of melatonin beyond its well-known role in regulating sleep.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and is therefore used synthetically as a sleep aid. However, researchers have found that its effects may extend to pain relief, thanks to its interactions within the brain and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study published in the journal Pain, a research team from the University of Sydney in Australia analyzed data from 23 previous trials, involving 2,028 people suffering from various musculoskeletal pain conditions, including lower back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
The researchers compared the effects of melatonin with other treatments, with participants receiving different doses of melatonin, a placebo, or other painkillers.
The results showed that melatonin helped reduce pain intensity and improve sleep quality in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. In some cases, its effect was found to be similar to that of some well-known painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, and some opioids.
However, the effect was not equal for all participants, as there was no clear reduction in pain in people who were recovering from surgery, while the improvement was more evident in those with chronic pain.
Kangchao Wu, a musculoskeletal researcher at the University of Sydney and the study's lead author, said that melatonin is readily available, inexpensive, and known for its safety, noting that it may help reduce reliance on some drugs that carry higher risks.
He added that the researchers are not calling for replacing all painkillers with melatonin, but rather that it can be used as an adjunctive treatment after consulting a doctor.
Studies have reported some side effects in participants, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding individuals, while information regarding long-term use remains limited and requires further investigation.
Researchers suggest that melatonin's pain-relieving effect may be related to several factors, including its role in improving sleep, as good sleep helps relax muscles and supports the body's ability to recover, in addition to its properties that reduce inflammation and cellular stress.
Despite the encouraging results, researchers emphasize that chronic pain is a complex condition affected by physical, psychological, and social factors, so not all patients may benefit from melatonin to the same degree, making further studies necessary to identify the groups that benefit most.
