Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms. Its use in depression is supported by a moderate but growing body of scientific evidence, particularly in relation to circadian rhythm disturbances commonly observed in depressive disorders. Several studies have found that patients with major depressive disorder often exhibit disruptions in their melatonin secretion, suggesting a potential role for melatonin in both the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Clinical trials using melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists (like agomelatine) have demonstrated beneficial effects on mood, sleep quality, and circadian rhythm alignment. Agomelatine, in particular, is approved in some countries as an antidepressant and acts on both melatonin and serotonin receptors, further supporting the mechanistic link.

However, direct evidence for melatonin supplementation as a primary treatment for depression is limited and mixed. Most benefits are observed in cases where sleep disturbances are prominent or where circadian misalignment is a contributing factor. Meta-analyses suggest modest improvements in depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or delayed sleep phase disorder. Overall, melatonin is not considered a first-line antidepressant, but may serve as a useful adjunct in specific cases, especially where sleep and circadian issues are present.

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Other ingredients used for Depression

Other health conditions supported by Melatonin

Products containing Melatonin

Vitabase Healthy Sleep Support
Designs For Health Insomnitol™ Capsules
Designs For Health Insomnitol™ Chewables
Klean Athlete Klean Melatonin
Pure Encapsulations Liquid Melatonin
Thorne Melaton-3 NSF
Thorne Melaton-5
Designs For Health Melatonin
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 0.5 mg
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 0.5 mg
Douglas Laboratories Melatonin 1 mg
Douglas Laboratories Melatonin 3 mg
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 20 mg
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 20 mg
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 3 mg
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin 3 mg
Douglas Laboratories Melatonin P.R.
Pure Encapsulations Melatonin-SR
Designs For Health Melatonin SRT™
Metagenics MetaSleep®
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Sleep