Can melatonin help ICU patients snap out of delirium?
NCT ID NCT03438526
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether giving melatonin at bedtime can help older ICU patients (55+) recover faster from hypoactive delirium, a state of confusion and low activity. Researchers will compare melatonin to a placebo in 190 patients, measuring how long delirium lasts and overall recovery. The goal is to restore normal sleep-wake cycles and improve outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Melatonin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple, safe way to reduce delirium duration and improve recovery in older ICU patients.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with 190 participants. Melatonin may not outperform placebo, and results may not apply to all ICU patients.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University Hospital Basel
RECRUITINGBasel, 4031, Switzerland
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••