Effects of bedtime melatonin treatment on blood pressure and arterial stiffness: a three-month, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Esben Stistrup Lauritzen, Julie Støy, Niels Møller et al.
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In 30 seconds
This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial examined whether bedtime melatonin affects blood pressure and arterial stiffness in people with type 2 diabetes, with or without hypertension. Participants received 10 mg melatonin and placebo for three months each, separated by a four-week washout. Among the 15 participants completing ambulatory monitoring, melatonin was associated with a numerical reduction in mean nighttime systolic blood pressure (-6 [-13:1] mmHg, p = 0.08, ≈ 5% decrease), but the change was not statistically significant. Pulse wave velocity was unaffected (p = 0.83).
Key findings
- Mean nighttime systolic blood pressure showed a non-significant numerical reduction with melatonin: -6 [-13:1] mmHg, p = 0.08, ≈ 5% decrease.
- Nighttime diastolic blood pressure showed a non-significant numerical reduction (-5 [-11:1] %, p = 0.11).
- Pulse wave velocity, the measure of arterial stiffness, was unaffected by melatonin treatment (p = 0.83).
Why it matters
The trial tested a proposed circadian approach to blood pressure reduction and whether any effect might relate to arterial stiffness. Its findings do not establish a blood-pressure benefit or a change in pulse wave velocity in people with type 2 diabetes. The numerical nighttime reductions may inform further research, but should not be interpreted as evidence of efficacy.
What to keep in mind
The trial was small, and only 15 participants completed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The authors note that larger studies powered for blood pressure outcomes are needed.