Sleep hormone may ward off Post-Surgery delirium in seniors

NCT ID NCT03785158

Completed Prevention Sponsor: McMaster University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in elderly patients after major non-cardiac surgery. Researchers enrolled 88 patients aged 65 and older across multiple hospitals. The goal was to see if a larger trial is possible, not yet to prove melatonin works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Melatonin (liquid supplement)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to prevent delirium in older patients after major surgery.
What could go wrong: This was only a small pilot study testing feasibility, not effectiveness. The results may not show a clear benefit, and larger trials are needed.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

delirium Emergence Delirium insomnia Sleep Deprivation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAJOR NON-CARDIAC SURGERY POST OPERATIVE DELIRIUM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hamilton Health Sciences-Juravinski Hospital Location

Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 1C3, Canada
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada

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