Abstract Summary
Objective
To evaluate melatonin’s safety and effectiveness as a potential anxiolytic and to define its mechanisms and implications for sustained use.
Context
Melatonin, a pineal hormone regulating circadian rhythms, is widely used as a sleep aid. Due to the tight interplay between sleep disruption and anxiety, its broader use in anxiety management has become a topic of clinical interest.
Methods Use
Approach
Clinical and preclinical studies were reviewed, emphasizing randomized controlled trials and mechanistic analyses involving melatonin’s role in neural modulation and stress regulation.
Data Collection
Human trial data included anxiety scores, sleep metrics, cortisol levels, and adverse events. Animal studies examined neurochemical changes, behavior, and oxidative markers under induced anxiety or stress models.
Researchers’ Summary of Findings
Impact on Health
Melatonin consistently reduced anxiety in surgical and short-term stress settings. A meta-analysis in postmenopausal women confirmed its anxiolytic benefits. Animal models supported these findings, citing melatonin’s role in reducing oxidative stress and balancing GABA/glutamate signaling. However, efficacy in chronic generalized anxiety remains unconfirmed.
Health Implications
Melatonin may be useful for individuals experiencing anxiety linked to sleep disruption or acute stress. Routine use appears safe at standard doses (0.5–5 mg), though evidence for its effectiveness in chronic anxiety is weak. Long-term use lacks robust data, and supplement quality varies significantly across brands.
Sustainability
Melatonin is easily synthesized and widely available, posing no major sustainability concerns. However, standardization of over-the-counter formulations remains a regulatory issue.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232416187
