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Meta-Analysis
. 2005 Dec;20(12):1151-8.
doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.0243.x.

The efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for primary sleep disorders. A meta-analysis

Nina Buscemi  1 , Ben Vandermeer, Nicola Hooton, Rena Pandya, Lisa Tjosvold, Lisa Hartling, Glen Baker, Terry P Klassen, Sunita Vohra
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for primary sleep disorders. A meta-analysis

Nina Buscemi et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2005 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Exogenous melatonin has been increasingly used in the management of sleep disorders.

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin in the management of primary sleep disorders.

Data sources: A number of electronic databases were searched. We reviewed the bibliographies of included studies and relevant reviews and conducted hand-searching.

Study selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for the efficacy review, and controlled trials were eligible for the safety review.

Data extraction: One reviewer extracted data, while the other verified data extracted. The Random Effects Model was used to analyze data.

Data synthesis: Melatonin decreased sleep onset latency (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -11.7 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -18.2, -5.2)); it was decreased to a greater extent in people with delayed sleep phase syndrome (WMD: -38.8 minutes; 95% CI: -50.3, -27.3; n=2) compared with people with insomnia (WMD: -7.2 minutes; 95% CI: -12.0, -2.4; n=12). The former result appears to be clinically important. There was no evidence of adverse effects of melatonin.

Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest that melatonin is not effective in treating most primary sleep disorders with short-term use (4 weeks or less); however, additional large-scale RCTs are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. There is some evidence to suggest that melatonin is effective in treating delayed sleep phase syndrome with short-term use. There is evidence to suggest that melatonin is safe with short-term use (3 months or less).

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study retrieval and selection.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Meta-graph of sleep onset latency in people with a primary sleep disorder: melatonin versus placebo.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Meta-graph of sleep efficiency in people with a primary sleep disorder: melatonin versus placebo.
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