Can melatonin help relieve sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that is available on prescription for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia in people aged 55 and over. Some preliminary findings show that melatonin may be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain. Most patients with fibromyalgia have sleep problems and fatigue, and it is thought that melatonin may help relieve these symptoms. Some doctors may be prepared to prescribe it (outside its normal licensed use) for fibromyalgia. Melatonin is generally regarded as safe with few to no side-effects. Because of the risk of daytime drowsiness, however, anyone taking melatonin should exercise caution when driving until they know how it affects them.
