The Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Ther Apher DialJun 2, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchNephrology

Ana Gabriely Sales da Silva, Mariana Veiga E Silva, Beatriz Castanha de Oliveira et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed randomized controlled trials comparing melatonin with placebo for sleep quality in adults receiving hemodialysis. Five trials involving 323 patients were included. Melatonin improved global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared with placebo; sleep duration and sleep efficiency also improved, with low heterogeneity. Sleep disturbances improved as well, and sensitivity analysis retained this finding despite initially high heterogeneity. The authors conclude that melatonin may improve sleep quality in this population, while noting that the evidence remains limited.

Key findings

  • Across five trials (323 patients), melatonin improved global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared with placebo.
  • Sleep duration and sleep efficiency improved, with low heterogeneity.
  • Sleep disturbances improved; sensitivity analysis preserved the effect despite initially high heterogeneity.

Why it matters

Sleep problems are common among adults receiving hemodialysis, and this review suggests melatonin may improve several aspects of sleep compared with placebo. The findings provide a synthesis of randomized evidence in this population, but limited certainty means the size and reliability of benefit remain unclear.

What to keep in mind

The evidence is based on only five trials, and the authors describe certainty as limited. The abstract provides no pooled effect estimates or details on trial follow-up.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42230276

Published in Ther Apher Dial. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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