The Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Primary Breast Cancer Undergoing Adjuvant Chemotherapy Type: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Cancer InvestJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOncology (Medical)
Mohsen SeddighShamsi, Mohsen Esfandbod, Shabnam Jalali et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of melatonin on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in 40 patients with primary breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Melatonin significantly improved sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared to placebo, with notable effects during the Taxol phase of chemotherapy.
Key findings
- Melatonin improved sleep latency from 1.50 to 1.00 (P=0.001) compared to placebo.
- Sleep efficiency increased from 1.11 to 0.56 (P=0.003) with melatonin treatment.
- Total PSQI scores decreased from 8.39 to 6.50 (P=0.003) in the melatonin group.
- Anxiety levels improved from 7.33 to 5.67 (P=0.077) during the Taxol phase.
Why it matters
Improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can enhance their overall well-being and treatment experience. Melatonin may offer a non-invasive option to address these common issues.