Melatonin supplements are widely celebrated for their ability to combat insomnia. As a naturally occurring sleep hormone produced by the brain, melatonin is released as daylight fades, signaling to the body that it is time to rest. This increase in melatonin lowers core body temperature and induces drowsiness, effectively regulating the body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm.
Because of these properties, melatonin is a popular remedy for mild sleep disruptions. In South Korea, while certain formulations are regulated as prescription-only medications, many consumers also purchase melatonin gummies and supplements through overseas direct channels for personal use.
A Potent Shield Against Chronic Pain
Recent research indicates that melatonin's benefits may extend well beyond a good night's rest. A multinational research team led by the University of Sydney School of Medicine published a study in PAIN, the official journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, revealing that melatonin may also help reduce chronic pain.
The team conducted a meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 2,028 participants. Across these studies, patients took daily melatonin supplements ranging from 1 to 10 mg for up to 90 days. When looking at the broad dataset, melatonin reduced chronic pain—including back pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and fibromyalgia—by an average of 8.96 points on a 100-point scale. While this was a greater reduction than the 6.76-point drop seen in the placebo group, the overall difference across all 23 trials did not reach statistical significance.
However, a clearer picture emerged when researchers isolated three high-quality trials comprising 176 participants that featured rigorous randomization and objective pain measurements. In this subset, the melatonin group experienced a pain reduction that was an average of 10.04 points greater than the control group. The researchers noted that, based on this specific effect size, melatonin's efficacy could potentially surpass that of traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) typically prescribed for chronic pain management.
Gradual Relief as an Adjunct Therapy
The underlying mechanism links directly to how melatonin functions in the body. Melatonin reduces reactive oxygen species—which can compromise immune function—and helps suppress inflammatory responses. Furthermore, it prevents the nerve cells responsible for transmitting pain signals from becoming overexcited, which appears to ease daily discomfort. It is also highly plausible that by improving sleep quality, melatonin helps lower overall stress levels and inflammatory markers.
Despite these promising findings, researchers emphasize that melatonin is unlikely to fully replace conventional painkillers. The analysis showed that the hormone had little to no effect on acute, post-surgical pain resulting from musculoskeletal procedures, such as artificial joint replacements, spinal surgeries, or fracture repairs.
Additionally, the study yielded an intriguing nuance regarding dosage: higher doses of melatonin did not correlate with greater pain relief. Instead, the benefits accumulated with the duration of use. Rather than providing immediate, short-term relief like a standard painkiller, melatonin appears to gradually alter the body's physiological state over time. Consequently, experts suggest it is best utilized as a supportive adjunct therapy to complement existing clinical treatments.
