Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain syndrome that is accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, and neurocognitive impairment. As the currently available drugs are not completely successful against these symptoms and frequently have several side effects, many scientists have taken on the task of looking for nonpharmacological remedies. Many of the FMS-related symptoms have been suggested to be associated with an altered pattern of endogenous melatonin. Melatonin is involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, including circadian rhythms, pain, mood, and oxidative as well as immunomodulatory balance. Preliminary clinical studies have propounded that the administration of different doses of melatonin to patients with FMS can reduce pain levels and ameliorate mood and sleep disturbances. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and urinary cortisol levels, and other biological parameters improve after the ingestion of melatonin. Recent investigations have proposed a pathophysiological relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and FMS by looking at certain proteins involved in mitochondrial homeostasis according to the etiopathogenesis of this syndrome. These improvements exert positive effects on the quality of life of FMS patients, suggesting that the use of melatonin as a coadjuvant may be a successful strategy for the management of this syndrome.

Background/Objectives: Prolonged hospitalization affects not only patients but also informal caregivers, who often bear a greater physical and emotional burden. The aim of this study was to analyze the burden, emotional well-being, perceived social support and family functioning among informal caregivers of patients undergoing prolonged hospitalization, as well as to identify the factors associated with the need for support. Methods: A descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 94 informal caregivers of patients who had been hospitalized for seven days or more. Sociodemographic and care-related variables were collected, along with measures of caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview), emotional well-being (GHQ-12), and perceived social (Duke-UNC-11) and family support (Family APGAR). Caregivers who reported needing support were compared with those who did not. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with the need for support. Results: Caregivers who reported needing support exhibited higher levels of caregiver burden (p = 0.034), poorer emotional well-being (p = 0.010), lower perceived social support (p = 0.014) and poorer family functioning (p < 0.001) than those who did not require support. Significant differences were also observed in the distance between home and the hospital (p = 0.041) and in the length of the hospital stay (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that family functioning (OR = 0.749) and length of hospital stay (OR = 1.523) were independently associated with the need for support. Conclusions: Poorer family functioning and a longer hospital stay were associated with a greater need for support among caregivers. Early identification of these factors can help in the design of interventions aimed at improving caregivers’ well-being while their relatives are in hospital.