Melatonin for Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether melatonin, a common sleep aid, can reduce physical symptoms like heart rate and skin temperature during stress. Participants will take either a melatonin tablet or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) before undergoing stress tests. The trial seeks individuals who can abstain from caffeine and alcohol for a short period before the test and do not have certain sleep disorders or serious health conditions.
As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to understanding how melatonin might help manage stress symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are currently using psychoactive, hypnotic, stimulant, or analgesic medications, beta blockers, or alpha blockers, you will need to stop taking them at least a month before joining the trial. Occasional use of non-narcotic pain relievers is allowed.
Is there any evidence suggesting that melatonin is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that melatonin is usually safe for use. In studies comparing melatonin to a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient), both groups reported very few side effects, indicating that melatonin users did not experience more side effects than those taking the placebo.
Melatonin is sold over-the-counter for sleep problems, suggesting it is generally safe for most people. No known dangerous reactions or conditions need to be avoided with melatonin. However, as with any supplement, following the recommended dose and consulting a healthcare provider if there are any concerns is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for stress, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications like SSRIs, melatonin offers a natural alternative derived from the hormone that regulates sleep. Researchers are excited about melatonin because it may address stress by improving sleep quality, which is often disrupted during stressful periods. Additionally, melatonin is non-addictive and has a well-known safety profile, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more natural approach to managing stress.
What evidence suggests that melatonin might be an effective treatment for stress?
Research has shown that melatonin can reduce oxidative stress, a harmful process linked to stress. Studies suggest that melatonin may help the body manage stress by protecting brain areas affected by it and reducing related damage. In animal studies, melatonin improved stress-related behaviors. This trial will test melatonin as an experimental treatment, with participants ingesting a 3mg melatonin tablet before stress reactivity assessment. Known for regulating sleep, this treatment may also aid in managing stress. Although more human research is needed, these findings suggest melatonin might help manage stress responses.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who experience stress and are interested in how melatonin might affect their body's response to it. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided, so general health status and other factors would need to be confirmed with the study organizers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either melatonin or placebo prior to stress reactivity assessment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cardiovascular and skin temperature responses to stress
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Melatonin
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baylor University
Lead Sponsor