Melatonin supplementation reduces delirium incidence in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Delirium represents a common and severe neuropsychiatric complication among critically ill individuals, often leading to extended hospital stays, elevated mortality risk, and persistent cognitive decline. Disruption of circadian sleep-wake rhythms is a major pathogenic factor, implying that melatonin may hold therapeutic potential in this context. Nonetheless, evidence regarding the effectiveness of melatonin in preventing delirium among patients in intensive care unit (ICU) remains inconsistent.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists on the incidence and duration of delirium, length of ICU stay, and mortality among adult critically ill patients.

Methods

We conducted a systemati

SUBMITTER: Wu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832284 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature