In treated hypertensive patients plasma melatonin levels were lower in subjects receiving beta-adrenoceptor blockers than those treated with diuretics. Melatonin concentrations in middle-aged and young control subjects were similar to each other and to those of the diuretic-treated patients. The results suggest that treatment with beta-adrenoceptor blockers causes a persistent reduction in plasma melatonin but it is unclear if this finding has clinical implications.