Sleep hormone may ward off Post-Surgery delirium in seniors
NCT ID NCT03785158
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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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Locations
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Hamilton Health Sciences-Juravinski Hospital Location
Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 1C3, Canada
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St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada