The sleep supplement produced higher levels of reactive aggression in a cohort of healthy young men.
Melatonin, a hormone released at night, is frequently used as a supplement to help with sleep and even migraine. Data also suggest that melatonin affects cognition and social interactions. Researchers in China examined the effects of melatonin (5 mg) in an experimental, placebo-controlled study that assessed aggressive responses to provocation. The 64 healthy male participants (mean age, 21) had regular sleep-wake schedules and no psychiatric disorders or substance use.
Participants completed questionnaires on sleepiness, emotional states, trait aggression and impulsivity, and circadian preference. After ingesting drug or placebo, they completed auditory tests for loudest bearable noise and quietest audible noise and then were administered t…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)