Recently a review article from 2020 caught my eye; Reconsidering the Role of Melatonin in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sleep is a major issue for RA, and many patients and clinicians are turning to melatonin to aid with sleep issues, are we causing more harm than good?

Melatonin has been known: 

• as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• to help with regulating T cell responses, T helper (Th)1, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
• to help modulate the circadian rhythm and enhance sleep

On the flip side, there is evidence from animal studies showing there are receptors for melatonin on synovial macrophages which promote the release of some Th-1-type proinflammatory cytokines. It has also been pointed out that the higher blood concentrations of melatonin in arthritic patients, especially in the early morning, might explain the morning stiffness and joint swelling experienced by patients - but does that mean that melatonin should be completely avoided? So far most of that evidence is coming from animal studies but are they translating with similar outcomes in human RCT?

Let’s dive into 2  human trials to see how melatonin impacts your RA clients. Save the Date! Dr. Alison Danby, ND will be running a 1-day Autoimmune 101 Workshop for clinicians on Friday, October 21, 2022. Registration opens September 21st. Join our mailing list to make sure you are in the know to grab those Early Bird Savings.  References: https://confident-clinician-club.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/The+Expert+Clinician/Autoimmune+101/TCC+Podcast/RA+%26+Melatonin+2007++(1).pdf https://confident-clinician-club.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/The+Expert+Clinician/Autoimmune+101/TCC+Podcast/RA+and+melatonin+-+2020+RCT+(1).pdf