New study suggests cheap melatonin pills could ease chronic pain.

A new study suggests that the cheap, 50p melatonin pill could ease chronic pain. This finding might slash the need for harmful traditional painkillers.

Chronic pain lasts longer than three months. It causes poor sleep, low mood, and fatigue. The UK sees a sharp rise in this condition. Currently, 40 per cent of the population suffers from it. This is double the global average.

Experts warn that nearly two million more people will need pain relief by 2040. This surge will strain GP services and increase NHS drug spending.

Traditional treatments include over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. These often provide limited benefit. Doctors sometimes prescribe opioids instead. However, long-term opioid use carries serious risks. These drugs can reduce fertility and weaken the immune system.

Australian researchers say melatonin offers a safer alternative. It works similarly to other drugs but with fewer side effects. Kangchao Wu, the study lead author, noted that melatonin is already in homes. He stated it is inexpensive and known to be safe.

Melatonin is an artificial hormone used for insomnia. It is licensed in the UK only for those over 55. It cannot be bought over the counter for younger people. Supplements are sometimes prescribed off-label for children with ADHD. Concerns exist that supplements lack the strict standards of prescription medicines.

In the US, melatonin use has skyrocketed. More than a third of adults now take it daily. Scientific consensus on how it works remains divided. One theory suggests it dilates blood vessels near the skin. This lowers body temperature and aids sleep.

The study published in the journal PAIN analysed data from 2,028 adults. Participants had lower back pain, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia. Others were recovering from surgeries like joint replacements. On average, melatonin reduced pain by around nine points on a 0-100 scale. This matches the reduction seen with common painkillers.

The supplement also improved sleep quality. This reaffirms the strong link between pain and rest. Wu explained that pain and poor sleep are closely tied for many patients. The World Health Organisation recommends eight hours of sleep for optimal recovery.

During sleep, cells repair themselves at a higher rate. Specifically, myelin cells protect nerves and regulate pain responses. Wu added that melatonin targets both pain and sleep issues. This makes it particularly useful for chronic pain patients.

Dosage varied depending on the condition. Those with musculoskeletal pain typically took around 3mg per day. Post-operative patients took double that amount. The melatonin was taken at night, about an hour before sleep.

Researchers concluded there is no single dose for everyone. Patients should discuss melatonin with their GP. Wu advised against replacing all pain medications with melatonin. Instead, it may be used alongside existing treatments. This approach is especially helpful for people with sleeping problems. The pain relief observed is comparable to conventional treatments. It offers a safer additional option within a broader pain management plan.