Current neuropharmacologyMay 21, 2026

Melatonin and Time-Based Therapy in Treating Sleep Cycle Problems and Depression

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated May 22, 2026

Abstract

Disruptions to the body's circadian rhythm may lead to sleep problems associated with mental health issues, such as depression.

The body's circadian rhythm regulates sleep and wakefulness over a 24-hour cycle.
Light and temperature can reset this biological clock, aligning body functions with day-night cycles.
Nontraditional work schedules, frequent flying, and excessive screen time may disrupt the circadian rhythm.
Misalignment of the body clock is linked to the onset or relapse of depression through neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances.
Melatonin, a hormone that induces sleepiness, is thought to be deficient in individuals experiencing sleep disturbances and depression.
Chronotherapy and light therapy may help realign the body's circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality and mood.

Simplified

The circadian rhythm is the body's natural timekeeper, determining when to sleep and wake over a 24-hour cycle. This biological clock can be reset by light and temperature, enabling body functions to align with the day-night cycle. Disruptions to the body's circadian rhythm, such as nontraditional shift work schedules, frequent flying, and people who spend too much time looking at screens, are believed to be behind an increase in sleep problems linked to mental health problems such as depression. Research suggests that a 'misalignment' of the body clock may paradoxically lead to either the onset or relapse of depression by the neurotransmitter system and hormone balance. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in the circadian cycle by inducing sleepiness when light levels are dim. Deficiencies of melatonin are believed to be behind sleep disturbances as well as depression. One approach to managing these symptoms is to adjust the body clock in light of changing sleep patterns and exposure to bright light. Additionally, the new discipline of chronotherapy may be beneficial. Chronotherapy and light therapy are non-pharmacological interventions targeting realignment of the body's internal circadian rhythm and restoration of sleep quality, with beneficial effects on depression. Such interventions can improve mood and increase well-being by restoring the circadian sleep-wake cycle. As research progresses, the optimal management of the circadian rhythm may prove to be an essential factor in preventing and treating depression and sleep disorders associated with it.

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Melatonin and Time-Based Therapy in Treating Sleep Cycle Problems and Depression

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