title: The effect of melatonin treatment on postural stability, muscle strength, and quality of life and sleep in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Melatonin is often used as a sleeping aid in elderly adults. As previous studies suggest a protective role of melatonin against osteoporosis, it is important to document its safety. Treatment should not cause any hangover effect that could potentially lead to falls and fractures. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on balance- and muscle function.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, we randomized 81 postmenopausal women with osteopenia to receive 1 or 3 mg melatonin, or placebo nightly for 12 months. Postural balance as well as muscle function was measured. In addition, we assessed quality of life and sleep at baseline and after 12 months treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to placebo, one-year treatment with melatonin did not affect postural balance or risk of falls. Furthermore, no significant changes between groups were observed in muscle strength in neither upper- nor lower extremities. Treatment did not affect quality of life or sleep. However, in the subgroup of women with sleep disturbances at baseline, a trend towards an improved sleep quality was seen (p = 0.08).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with melatonin is safe in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. There is no hangover effect affecting balance- and muscle function following the intake of melatonin. In women with a good quality of sleep, melatonin has no effect, however in poor quality of sleep, small doses of melatonin trended towards improving the quality.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  (# NCT01690000).
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2 DK-Aarhus C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark. anne_kristine_am@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Anne Kristine
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Amstrup
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2 DK-Aarhus C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sikjaer
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2 DK-Aarhus C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Leif
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mosekilde
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2 DK-Aarhus C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rejnmark
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy; D017698:Postmenopause; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin