The effect of melatonin on sleep quality and cognitive function of individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND:and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on sleep quality and cognitive function of individuals undergoing hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 102 eligible individuals were assigned to two equal intervention and control groups. The intervention group received melatonin 3 mg tablets half an hour before going to bed for six weeks, while the control group was given a placebo with similar conditions. RESULTS:This study had 102 participants who were divided into intervention and control groups. The mean age of the participants was 58.30 (SD = 12.10). Among the participants, 54.90% were female. Moreover, 33.33% of the individuals received dialysis for four years or longer. After the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was 12.66 (SD = 3.09) in the intervention group and 18.86 (SD = 3.8) in the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality index in the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001); the PSQI score declined from 20.21 to 12.66. Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after intervention in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) index (P = 0.002); it was 24.27 (SD = 3.42) in the intervention group and 22.15 (SD = 2.3) in the control group. The mean MoCA score in the intervention group showed a significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001), increasing from 21.19 to 24.27. CONCLUSION:According to the study's findings, melatonin can improve individuals undergoing hemodialysis' cognitive function and sleep quality.