Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep and is commonly taken in synthetic form as a sleep aid. New analysis suggests these supplements may also ease persistent pain. Researchers reviewed data from 23 prior trials involving over 2,000 participants with chronic musculoskeletal conditions or post-surgical pain. The study, published in the journal Pain, found that melatonin reduced pain intensity by about nine points on a 0-100 scale and improved sleep quality. Effects were clearest in people with ongoing musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia. Results were comparable to some standard pain medications in certain cases. Side effects were generally mild and included nausea or headache. The authors note melatonin is inexpensive and already widely used, but they recommend it only as an add-on treatment after medical advice. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and understand the mechanisms involved.
