Melatonin for Exercise Recovery
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Oral Melatonin is a commercially available product available alone and as a constituent in a number of supplements. Previous research suggests that short-term supplementation with oral melatonin may amplify the recovery response to damaging resistance exercise via modulation of subsequent immune and inflammatory responses. However the effects of oral melatonin on neutrophil and monocyte invasion/migration, a critical step in the resolution of skeletal muscle tissue homeostasis, has not been examined. An oral melatonin supplement (5mg) will be provided three times daily beginning 24-hours before and ending 48-hours after an acute bout of damaging resistance exercise (total 15mg/day for 3 days). Goals: 1. To investigate the effect of melatonin on systemic and cellular responses following an acute bout of damaging resistance exercise. 2. To investigate the effect of melatonin on measures of functional performance before and during recovery from an acute bout of damaging resistance exercise.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You cannot participate if you are regularly taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication that might affect the study assessments. If you are taking certain dietary supplements, you may need to stop them for a 4-week period before joining the study.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of the drug melatonin for exercise recovery?
Research shows that melatonin can help improve sleep efficiency and adjust the body's internal clock, which may aid athletes in recovering from exercise. Additionally, melatonin has been found to reduce muscle damage and inflammation after intense exercise, suggesting it could be beneficial for exercise recovery.12345
Is melatonin safe for human use?
Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in humans, with studies showing low toxicity and beneficial effects on sleep and circadian rhythms. However, there is limited long-term safety data, and its effects during pregnancy or interactions with other medications are not well-studied.14678
How does the drug melatonin differ from other treatments for exercise recovery?
Melatonin is unique for exercise recovery because it helps synchronize the body's internal clock, improving sleep quality and efficiency, which can enhance recovery. Unlike other treatments, melatonin also increases energy availability in muscles and improves exercise tolerance, making it beneficial for athletes.12467
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for resistance-trained men and women interested in how melatonin might help with muscle recovery after intense exercise. Participants should be healthy, regularly engage in resistance training, and not currently use any supplements that contain melatonin.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-treatment
Participants begin melatonin or placebo supplementation 24 hours before the exercise bout
Treatment
Participants undergo an acute bout of dynamic high-intensity resistance exercise and continue supplementation for 48 hours post-exercise
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for systemic and cellular responses, and functional recovery measures are assessed
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Melatonin
Melatonin is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Insomnia in adults aged 55 and over
- Sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder
- Insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 with autism spectrum disorder
- Sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder
- Insomnia in adults
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Central Florida
Lead Sponsor