The effects of chronic, small doses of melatonin given in the late afternoon on fatigue in man: a preliminary study

Neurosci Lett. 1984 Apr 6;45(3):317-21. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(84)90245-3.

Abstract

In a double-blind cross-over study, melatonin (2 mg) or placebo, was administered daily for 4 weeks to 12 volunteers (10 men and 2 women) at 17.00 h during February and March. Self-rated fatigue (tiredness) was significantly increased in the evening during melatonin treatment. No other consistent effects on sleep ratings or mood parameters were observed and the dose was well tolerated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / drug effects
  • Arousal / drug effects
  • Circadian Rhythm / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatigue / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sleep Stages / drug effects

Substances

  • Melatonin