Meta-analysis of melatonin supplementation effects on sleep quality and sleep onset
Ferracioli-Oda E, Qawasmi A, Bloch MH
High-confidence evidence from multiple solid studies
Summary
A meta-analysis of 19 RCTs. Melatonin reduced sleep onset latency by an average of 7.06 minutes, extended total sleep time by 8.25 minutes, and significantly improved overall sleep quality scores compared to placebo. Particularly effective for circadian rhythm disorders such as shift work and jet lag. Low doses (0.5–1 mg) showed comparable effects to higher doses.
Key findings
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Reduced sleep onset latency by an average of 7.06 minutes vs placebo
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Extended total sleep time by an average of 8.25 minutes
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Effective for circadian rhythm disorders and jet lag
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Low doses (0.5–1 mg) showed effects comparable to higher doses
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