Understanding the Impact of Melatonin Use on Adolescent Functioning: A Pilot and Feasibility Trial of the Melatonin Adolescent Research Study (MARS)
Loma Linda University
Summary
The present study will use a within-person, randomized cross-over experimental design to test the effects of exogenous melatonin supplementation on the sleep and daytime functioning of typically developing adolescents with short or disrupted sleep of behavioral origins (i.e., difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or premature waking resulting in short or disrupted sleep not attributed to an organic sleep condition).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identified sleep difficulties (e.g., difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or premature waking resulting in short or disrupted sleep). * Ages 13 to 17 years old * Able to understand, read, and write in English * Melatonin naive Exclusion Criteria: * Obesity * Use of psychiatric medication * Drug(s), or supplements known to affect sleep * History of head injury or concussion with loss of consciousness \>1 minute * Daily consumption of \>1 caffeinated beverage * Risk for any organic sleep disorder (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome)
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementMelatonin
Each subject will receive 3mg of melatonin 1 hour prior to bedtime for 12 consecutive nights
- OtherPlacebo
Each subject will receive a placebo 1 hour prior to bedtime for 12 consecutive nights
Locations (2)
- Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, California
- Loma Linda ULoma Linda, California