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Exogenous Melatonin and Sleep Quality: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews
Samyuktha Iyer1, Vaneesha Monk1, Rebeccah Slater1
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Melatonin generally improves sleep quality, according to a review of systematic reviews. While evidence varies, most analyses favored melatonin over placebo for sleep disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence Synthesis
Background:
- Melatonin is widely used for sleep disturbances.
- Its overall efficacy is unclear due to inconsistent evidence.
- Existing reviews lack comprehensive synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize systematic reviews with meta-analyses on exogenous melatonin's effects on human sleep quality.
- To assess the direction of evidence for melatonin's efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of seven databases (inception–July 9, 2025).
- Included 57 systematic reviews with 227 meta-analyses.
- Used vote counting for efficacy based on effect direction.
Main Results:
- 80.9% of 215 meta-analyses favored melatonin over inactive comparators.
- Methodological quality of reviews was variable.
- Adverse events were common but generally mild (headaches, GI issues, dizziness).
Conclusions:
- Despite methodological heterogeneity, evidence consistently favors melatonin for sleep quality.
- Further quantitative umbrella reviews are recommended to guide clinical practice.
- Standardized reporting is needed for clearer synthesis of melatonin's effects.
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