Resumo: INTRODUCTION:  Melatonin, recognized for its influence on sleep regulation, is attracting increasing interest due to its antioxidant properties. Although still under study, it is suggested that this substance may play a beneficial role in preventing hearing loss. REVIEW: A search was carried out in the BIREME, PUBMED AND SCIELO databases by combining the terms: melatonin, hearing, tinnitus, presbycusis, ototoxicity, and their respective terms in English. DISCUSSION: From searches in the databases, 272 articles were retrieved, from which 17 articles that addressed the proposed topic were selected using the exclusion criteria. FINAL REMARKS: It was verified through this review that melatonin can help prevent hearing loss caused by oxidative stress, due to its ability to eliminate free radicals generated in the cochlea. Keywords: Hearing, Oxidative Stress, Melatonin, Ototoxicity, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural, Tinnitus. Expandir Resumo Acessar Texto Completo

Resumo: Introduction: It is known that the quality of sleep significantly interferes in people's physical, mental and social health. However, during the day-to-day hustle and bust, with increasing commitments, jobs and tasks, in addition to genetic predisposition and other factors, sleep has been increasingly compromised. In an attempt to meet this need, many people have resorted to the use of anxiolytic drugs to help sleep, without considering the risks and their side effects. Review: This work was carried out through a literature review with the objective of evaluating the effects of melatonin in the treatment against insomnia, as an alternative treatment with less adverse effects compared to the commonly used benzodiazepines, especially Clonazepam. Discussion: Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly at night by the pineal gland and its main function is to induce sleep. Some factors can decrease its production, compromising the quality of sleep. Several studies have shown that the use of exogenous melatonin contributes significantly to the adjustment of the circadian cycle, improving the quality of sleep. Final remarks: Therefore, it is of utmost importance that there is a more careful look at the treatment of insomnia with less damage to health, through effective alternatives and with minimal adverse effects, in order to contribute to the quality of life of people.  Melatonin proves to be a good option for this purpose. However, there is a need to improve its accessibility, allowing the expansion of its use, however, under guidelines of rational use. Keywords: adverse effects, clonazepam, melatonin, insomnia, sleep disorders. Expandir Resumo Acessar Texto Completo