HHS: Melatonin Appears Safe, Effective for Short Term Use

HHS: Melatonin Appears Safe, Effective for Short Term Use

WASHINGTON--Melatonin dietary supplements appear safe when used overperiods of days or weeks, and have limited benefits for sleep disorders,according to a new evidence report released by the Agency for HealthcareResearch and Quality (AHRQ), an arm of the Department of Health and HumanServices (HHS). AHRQ noted the safety of melatonin when used for months or yearsis unclear, and more research should be conducted to further explore melatonin'sefficacy in treating sleep disorders.

After reviewing scientific evidence, the authors concluded melatonin appearsto provide little benefit for people suffering jet lag or those working nightshifts. However, they did find evidence that melatonin supplements may beeffective when used short term to treat delayed sleep phase syndrome in personswith primary sleep disorders such as insomnia.

"The data from this report provide not only a scientific perspective onwhat is known and not known about melatonin to date, but some intriguing andimportant leads for areas of future research on melatonin and its use for sleepproblems," said Stephen E. Straus, M.D., director of the National Centerfor Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). "This supplement is ofinterest to many Americans as an alternative to prescription drugs for thispurpose."