INFLUENCE OF MELATONIN ON SLEEP QUALITY (literature review)

Abstract

Background. Insomnia is a common and serious disorder that affects a person's physical and mental health. A special influence on the quality of sleep is revealed in the conditions of war. Treatment for chronic insomnia includes cognitive behavioral therapy and medications such as melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and has neuroprotective properties. The increasing use of melatonin underscores the importance of systematizing data on its efficacy and safety. Aim: to conduct a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the evidence base regarding the effect of melatonin on sleep quality. To establish the clinical efficacy and safety of melatonin in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders, to analyze its impact on various sleep indicators, and identify potential adverse effects. Materials and methods. The systematic review included 43 clinical and randomized controlled trials selected from 1353 sources published between 2021 and 2024. Trials examining the use of melatonin in various doses and forms to improve sleep quality were analyzed. The focus was on the clinical efficacy, safety, and potential adverse effects of melatonin. Results. The results of the analysis of clinical trials indicate that melatonin is a promising medicine in improving the quality of sleep in the elderly, women in perimenopause, children with autism, patients with Alzheimer's disease and other clinical conditions. In most trials, melatonin has been shown to improve sleep, reduce nighttime awakenings, and improve overall quality of life. Melatonin has been shown to be safe for use in a variety of age groups and clinical conditions. The most common side effects were headache, somnolence, and minor gastrointestinal symptoms. Trials have not revealed serious adverse reactions with long-term use of melatonin in various doses. Although melatonin has shown efficacy in many cases, some trials have found no significant improvement in sleep quality or other symptoms in certain patient groups, such as women with insomnia, patients with bipolar disorder, and after orthopedic surgery. Conclusion. Further research to determine the optimal doses and conditions of melatonin use in patients with insomnia is important.