Scientists Say This Popular Supplement May Offer Chronic Pain Relief - AOL.com

What the report says

Prevention reported that a new scientific review has found melatonin, a widely used over-the-counter sleep supplement, may help some people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The article cites a review and meta-analysis published in the journal Pain that examined 23 randomized controlled trials involving more than 2,000 participants with either chronic or post-surgical musculoskeletal pain.

According to Prevention, researchers compared daily melatonin doses ranging from 3 to 10 milligrams with placebo or active pain treatments, then assessed pain and sleep-related outcomes. The review found moderate evidence that melatonin was associated with meaningful pain relief and better sleep quality in people with chronic pain. The same benefit was not seen among participants with post-operative pain.

Doctors quoted by Prevention said the findings may reflect the close relationship between pain, inflammation and sleep. Jacob Teitelbaum, an internist specializing in integrative medicine, sleep, chronic pain and fatigue, said sleep quality is important for pain relief. Jay Luthar, founder and medical director at Lutanen Health and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, said poor sleep and pain can reinforce each other, and melatonin may help interrupt that pattern while also offering limited anti-inflammatory effects.

The report emphasized that the findings are not a recommendation to self-treat. Prevention noted that melatonin is generally considered safe for many people, but it can cause side effects such as next-day grogginess, headache and nausea. The doctors advised people with chronic pain or sleep problems to consult a healthcare provider about possible causes, appropriate dosing and whether more targeted treatment is needed.