Melatonin: what did the insomnia trial show?
354 adults aged 55–80 with insomnia were randomized to prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg or placebo, one tablet daily two hours before bedtime for three weeks.
Combined improvement in sleep quality and morning alertness occurred in 26% versus 15%. Reported time to fall asleep fell by 24.3 minutes versus 12.9 minutes with placebo.
Short trial in older adults using one formulation. Findings do not establish the effects of immediate-release products, higher doses or treatment in younger people. The abstract does not provide detailed adverse-event rates.
These results apply to the studied population, formulation and follow-up.
What might this mean, and what would change the interpretation?
This is a selected trial summary, not a full literature review or formal quality appraisal.
What would clarify this: Further studies of long-term outcomes and different patient groups.
Findings reviewed · abstract
Checked Sep 23, 2026 against the linked abstract. This reading note is not a formal risk-of-bias appraisal.