Melatonin trials report longer sleep and higher cognitive test scores in adults with cognitive impairment
This brief uses only the review's abstract: sleep duration and cognitive test scores improved, while several daily-life and mood outcomes remained uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Compared with placebo, melatonin modestly increased sleep duration and cognitive test scores in older adults with cognitive impairment. Everyday functioning and depression did not show statistically significant benefits. The abstract does not establish a dependable overall clinical benefit, lasting cognitive improvement or prevention of cognitive decline.
Results varied across studies, and the abstract gives no treatment durations or doses. The authors describe the findings as falling short of definitive evidence of efficacy.
What researchers found
Total sleep time
Pooled mean difference versus placebo; treatment and follow-up durations are not reported.
Sleep and test outcomes
The review found longer sleep and higher Mini-Mental State Examination scores, alongside a reduction in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Changes in test performance do not establish lasting cognitive improvement or greater independence.
Other outcomes remain uncertain
Sleep efficiency, body-clock markers, depression and daily activities showed small, statistically nonsignificant effects. These findings leave benefits uncertain; they do not demonstrate that melatonin has no effect on those outcomes.
The original publication
Melatonin for sleep and cognitive outcomes in older adults with cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Mdluli NT, Banda KJ, Chang YC
Age Ageing · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41240058
- Record checked
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