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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Published on: January 25, 2016

Melatonin, Caffeine, or Their Combination: Effects on Sleep, Performance, Perceived Exertion in a Placebo-Controlled

Nourhène Mahdi^1,2, Slaheddine Delleli^1,3, Khouloud Ben Maaoui^1,2

¹High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia.

|May 13, 2026

Summary

Nocturnal melatonin and next-day caffeine improved high-intensity exercise performance in trained males. This combination also reduced markers of muscle damage and inflammation compared to placebo or melatonin alone.

Keywords:

ergogenic aid inflammation muscle damage sleep sports performance

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

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Published on: January 25, 2016

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Published on: April 7, 2020

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments

Published on: August 8, 2019

Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Nutritional Biochemistry
Sports Science

Background:

Melatonin (MEL) is known for sleep and recovery, while caffeine (CAF) boosts alertness and performance.
The combined effects of MEL and CAF on athletic performance and physiological responses are not well understood.
Athletes commonly use both MEL and CAF, necessitating research into their interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of melatonin and caffeine, administered individually or together, on sleep, exercise performance, and physiological markers in trained males.
To isolate the specific impacts of each substance and their combined influence on recovery and performance.
To analyze the biochemical and perceptual responses to different supplementation strategies.

Main Methods:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving fourteen trained males.
Four conditions were tested: placebo before sleep and placebo in the morning (PLA+PLA), placebo before sleep and caffeine (PLA+CAF), melatonin (MEL+PLA), and melatonin followed by caffeine (MEL+CAF).
Performance was assessed via the 5m shuttle run test, with blood markers for muscle damage and inflammation, peak heart rate, and perceived exertion also measured.

Main Results:

No significant differences in sleep parameters were found across the conditions.
The 5m shuttle run test performance improved in both MEL+CAF and PLA+CAF groups compared to PLA+PLA.
The MEL+CAF combination significantly reduced muscle damage and inflammation markers compared to all other conditions.

Conclusions:

Nocturnal melatonin combined with morning caffeine intake can enhance high-intensity exercise performance in trained males.
This combined supplementation strategy demonstrates potential benefits in mitigating exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation.
Further research can explore optimal dosages and timing for athletic populations.