Melatonin Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms in Midlife Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

* Age 40-55 years old
* Female individuals with intact uterus and at least one ovary
* Hypertension

  o Defined as a prior diagnosis of hypertension, use of antihypertensive agents, or office SBP/DBP ≥130/80 mmHg
* On stable medical regimen (≥ 2 months) if taking other medications

Exclusion Criteria

* Prescription sleeping medications or melatonin supplementation
* Pregnant or lactating
* Use of tobacco, nicotine or vaping products
* Night shift work
* On prescription aspirin
* Severe lactose intolerance
* History of substance use disorder
* History of suicidal ideation
* History of clinically diagnosed anemia (within the past 5 years) or low hemoglobin levels (\<11.6 g/dL) within the past 12 months
* Active cancer
* Severe daytime sleepiness (score \>15 at the Epworth Sleepiness Scale \[ESS\])81
* Current or recent (within the past 2 months) participation in other research studies at the discretion of study investigators
* Inability to provide written consent and/or to speak and read English
* Any other medical, geographic, or social factor making study participation impractical