Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Melatonin, a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles, has been explored as an adjunctive treatment in managing addictions, particularly due to its effects on sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances common in substance use disorders. While melatonin is not a frontline therapy for addiction itself, there is emerging scientific evidence suggesting its potential benefit as a supportive agent.

Research indicates that chronic substance use (especially alcohol, opioids, and stimulants) often disrupts normal melatonin secretion and circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep, which in turn increases relapse risk. Some small clinical trials and animal studies have found that melatonin supplementation can improve sleep quality in individuals recovering from addiction, and may reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, though effects are modest and inconsistent across studies.

For example, a handful of studies in alcohol-dependent patients showed that melatonin could help re-establish normal sleep patterns during withdrawal, and pre-clinical studies have suggested that melatonin may modulate dopaminergic pathways involved in addiction and relapse. However, large, well-designed clinical trials are lacking, and there is no consensus on melatonin as a direct treatment for addiction. Instead, it is sometimes recommended to support sleep as part of a broader addiction management plan.

In summary, there is limited but growing scientific evidence (rated 2/5) for the use of melatonin as a supportive remedy in addiction, mainly through improving sleep and possibly reducing withdrawal symptoms, but not for treating addiction directly.

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Nature's Sunshine Melatonin Extra