Study Summary

Eighty patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive oral melatonin 5 mg nightly or standard sleep hygiene recommendations alone. The primary outcome of interest was sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes of interest included shoulder function measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and postoperative narcotic consumption. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed significantly improved PSQI scores at 6 weeks, improved ASES and SANE functional outcomes at later postoperative time points, and reduced narcotic use at 4 months in the melatonin group. These findings suggest that melatonin may enhance early sleep recovery and contribute to improved functional outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.