Melatonin Shows Promise for Supporting Concussion Recovery

The Link Between Melatonin and Concussion Recovery

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They can range from mild to severe and cause a variety of symptoms including headache, confusion, memory loss, and sleep disturbances. Recovery from a concussion involves resting the brain from physical and cognitive activities while managing symptoms. An emerging area of concussion research is examining the role of melatonin in supporting recovery.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in the brain. Often referred to as the "sleep hormone," melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythm and the sleep-wake cycle. Production of melatonin increases in the evening as exposure to light decreases, making people feel drowsy and helping them fall asleep. Melatonin levels remain elevated at night and then drop in the morning when exposure to light increases, supporting an alert waking state.

In addition to sleep regulation, melatonin is also involved in various other physiological processes including antioxidant effects, immune system regulation, mood support, and brain health. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier allowing it to exert protective effects on the brain.

Melatonin, Sleep, and Concussion

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common symptoms following a concussion. People often experience fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and difficulties falling or staying asleep. Disruption to normal melatonin production and circadian rhythms is believed to play a role in these post-concussion sleep problems.

After a concussion, decreased melatonin levels have been observed, especially in severe cases. This reduction can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep at night. The lack of restorative sleep may then impair or delay recovery. Optimizing melatonin levels is therefore seen as a promising approach to manage sleep disruption after concussion.

Supplementing with Melatonin

Melatonin supplements may help restore normal sleep-wake cycles and improve sleep quality in those recovering from concussion. Studies show supplemental melatonin increases melatonin levels at night and promotes sleepiness at bedtime. It also helps consolidate sleep by reducing awakenings throughout the night.

The typical dosage of melatonin for concussion is around 3-10 mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Timed release or extended release formulations can help maintain elevated melatonin levels overnight. It is important to take melatonin at the right time based on circadian rhythms. Taking it too early can make people sleepy too soon before their normal bedtime.

Melatonin Improves Outcomes in Pediatric Concussion

Research into supplemental melatonin for concussion recovery has focused heavily on children. Several studies have found melatonin improves outcomes and speeds up recovery in kids with concussion.

In one study, children aged 5-15 with acute concussion took melatonin or placebo for 30 days. The melatonin group fell asleep faster, slept longer, and had fewer sleep disturbances than the placebo group. They also recovered faster, with concussion symptoms resolving significantly quicker with melatonin supplementation.

Another study of children prescribed melatonin after concussion had over 5 times greater improvement in symptoms over the first month compared to those not taking it. Furthermore, melatonin use was associated with faster return to school and sports activities indicating quicker recovery.

Melatonin Improves Functioning in Pediatric Concussion

The benefits of melatonin in pediatric concussion involve more than just faster resolution of symptoms. Studies have found supplemental melatonin also helps improve functioning of the brain during recovery.

Brain imaging shows children with post-concussion syndrome often have functional abnormalities in brain regions involved in complex attention, memory, language, and emotional processing. However, this dysfunction is rescued with melatonin supplementation. It helps normalize metabolic functioning of the brain to levels of healthy children.

Children prescribed melatonin after concussion have also been found to have improvements in memory, learning, cognition, and other brain functions. Melatonin's support of normal sleep cycles as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are likely responsible for these functional benefits.

Safety Considerations of Melatonin Supplementation

Melatonin is widely available over the counter and generally considered safe for short term use. However, there are some considerations regarding its use, especially in children.

Melatonin can interact with several classes of medications including anticoagulants, diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, and sedatives. Patients should discuss melatonin use with a doctor, especially if taking other medications.

While melatonin is non-habit forming, there are concerns about it delaying normal pubertal development in children. Therefore, long-term continual use is not recommended in kids. Melatonin supplementation should be limited to short durations under medical supervision in pediatric populations.

It is also recommended to use the lowest effective dose of melatonin in children. Standard pediatric dosing is around 3-6 mg before bedtime. Higher doses around 10 mg do not appear to confer additional benefits and may raise safety issues.

The Bottom Line on Melatonin for Concussion

In summary, melatonin shows significant promise in supporting concussion recovery, especially in children. Supplementing with melatonin can help stabilize sleep disturbances, speed resolution of symptoms, and improve brain function after concussion.

However, melatonin should be used cautiously under medical guidance in kids. Additional large scale research is still needed to confirm benefits and ideal dosing. Talk to a doctor about whether short-term melatonin supplementation may aid recovery after a concussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does melatonin help with concussion?

Melatonin helps with concussion recovery in a few key ways. It helps stabilize disrupted sleep-wake cycles and improve sleep quality. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may protect the brain. Melatonin helps normalize brain function and speeds resolution of concussion symptoms.

When should you take melatonin after a concussion?

Melatonin should be taken about 30 minutes before your target bedtime after a concussion. This supplements your natural rise in melatonin production in the evening and helps you feel sleepy at an appropriate time. Taking it too early can lead to drowsiness before desired bedtime.

Is melatonin safe for concussions?

When used for short durations under medical guidance, melatonin is generally safe to aid concussion recovery. However, long-term use is not recommended as safety has not been established. Use caution with melatonin in children and consult a doctor about potential interactions with other medications.

Can melatonin prevent concussions?

No, there is no evidence that taking melatonin prevents or reduces the risk of concussions. Melatonin should not be used solely to try to protect against concussion. Proper safety practices like wearing helmets during contact sports help lower concussion risk.

How long should you take melatonin after a concussion?

There are no definitive guidelines on exact duration of melatonin use after concussion. Research studies have typically supplemented with melatonin for 1-2 months. It's reasonable to use melatonin short-term under medical supervision and taper off as normal sleep and symptoms improve.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.