Can hormone pills cure your jet lag? new study tests hydrocortisone and melatonin
NCT ID NCT00097474
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether taking hydrocortisone (a cortisol-like hormone), melatonin, or both could reduce jet lag symptoms after long eastward flights. Fifty-seven healthy adults aged 18-65 who flew across 6-8 time zones took the pills for 4 days after arrival and reported their symptoms. The goal was to see if these hormones help reset the body's internal clock and ease jet lag.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Hydrocortisone and Melatonin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, short-term treatment to reduce jet lag symptoms after long flights.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed Phase 2 trial with only 57 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or no better than placebo.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for JET LAG are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States