Originally presented by Dr Angie Zhang

Melatonin is an endogenous hormone from pineal gland affecting circadian rhythm

Indications

  • Insomnia, jet lag, shift work
  • REM sleep disorders
  • Dementia (sundowning)
  • Few adverse effects

BDZ drawbacks

  • Sedation
  • Psychomotor impairment
  • Amnesia

Cochrane 2020

  • Systematic review + meta-analysis
  • 27 RCTs = 2319 adult patients undergoing GA/regional anaesthesia
  • Night before / on DOS:
    • Melatonin
    • Benzodiazepine
    • Placebo

Results

  • Melatonin out performed placebo
  • Melatonin reduces pre-operative anxiety
  • Melatonin was equivalent to BDZs
  • With no difference in pre-operative anxiety

Links

Cochrane Review Perioperative Anxiety 2020