The present study aimed to investigate the effect of acute nocturnal melatonin (MEL) ingestion on sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in older adults. Twelve older men (58± 5.74 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The experimental protocol consisted in two testing sessions after nocturnal MEL (10 mg) or placebo (PLA) ingestion the night before the tests. During each session, sleep quality tests, cognitive tests and postural balance protocol were conducted. Static and dynamic postural control was assessed using a force platform. Most of sleep parameters have been improved following nocturnal MEL ingestion without any effect on cognitive performance. Likewise, measurements related to center of pressure (CoP) have been significantly decreased with MEL compared to PLA. In conclusion, postural control has been improved the morning following nocturnal MEL ingestion in older adults. This trend could be explained by the potential effect of MEL on sleep quality and cerebellum.
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