Could Melatonin Help with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain?
Date: 24th July 2026 | By: Dr Lourdes Gaspar
https://journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000004045~efficacy-and-effectiveness-of-melatonin-for-the-management
Could Melatonin Play a Role in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Management?
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in PAIN examined 23 randomised controlled trials involving 2,028 participants with chronic or postoperative musculoskeletal pain. The findings suggest that melatonin may offer benefits beyond sleep.
Key Findings
✅ Melatonin reduced pain intensity in people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. In the highest-quality studies, pain reductions were approximately 10 points on a 0-100 scale. 12
✅ Sleep quality improved, an important finding given the strong relationship between poor sleep and persistent pain. 12
✅ Benefits were seen in both chronic musculoskeletal pain and postoperative musculoskeletal pain populations.
✅ Melatonin maintained its reputation as a relatively safe and low-cost intervention, with reported adverse effects generally mild and transient.
What Does This Mean for Chronic Pain Management?
At ACTforPAIN, we know that persistent pain is rarely just about damaged tissues or physical symptoms. Sleep disruption, fatigue, stress, worry and reduced engagement in meaningful activities often become part of the pain experience.
While melatonin is not a cure for chronic pain, this review highlights the importance of addressing sleep as part of a comprehensive pain management approach. Better sleep may help create a foundation for improved physical functioning, emotional wellbeing and engagement in valued activities.
The most effective chronic pain management plans typically combine biological, psychological and behavioural approaches. This is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can complement medical care by helping people develop psychological flexibility and continue moving towards what matters, even when pain is present.
ACTforPAIN is an evidence-based programme designed to help people build practical skills for living well with chronic pain.
🌐 www.ACTforPAIN.com
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