Can melatonin be used as a potential antioxidant and sleep aid supplement for high-altitude travelers?

Traveling to high-altitude destinations is associated with risks such as high-altitude sicknesses and impaired sleep and performance. Although antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial, conflicting study results impede clear clinical guidelines. Herein, we highlight the potential of the antioxidant compound melatonin that is surprisingly poorly investigated in high-altitude settings.

Automated summary

Traveling to high-altitude destinations carries risks such as high-altitude sicknesses and impaired sleep and performance. The benefits of antioxidant supplementation are inconclusive, leading to a lack of clear clinical guidelines. This article highlights the potential of the antioxidant compound melatonin, which surprisingly has been poorly studied in high-altitude settings.