Melatonin Use for Sleep in Assisted Living

Sleep problems are common among residents of assisted living (AL) communities, and in other settings, melatonin is used to promote sleep. However, melatonin use in AL is unknown; because it may have side-effects, this knowledge gap is concerning. To address this question, data were collected across 250 AL communities in seven states; analyses used weights whereby data were scaled to represent the entirety of the states. The majority of communities prescribed melatonin (82%), albeit to a minority of residents (9%). Prescribing was more common for those with anxiety, sleep-wake disorders, dementia, and various behaviors, in communities that had more staff and more favorable non-pharmacological attitudes (p<.05). Dosages varied from 0-45 mg and co-prescribing was common. This study is the first to examine melatonin prescribing in AL; use may be appropriate if, for example, it is a replacement for hypnotics. The variation suggests practices may be modifiable; further research is needed.