Melatonin may be key to better sleep for Night-Shift doctors

NCT ID NCT05701969

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Virginia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether taking melatonin can improve sleep quality and duration for medical residents working night float shifts. Fifty residents will be randomly assigned to receive either melatonin or a placebo, and their sleep will be measured with a portable brain-wave monitor. The goal is to see if this common supplement can help counteract the sleep disruption caused by overnight work.

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 point toward a simple, over-the-counter way to help shift workers sleep better.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (50 participants). Melatonin is generally safe but may not improve sleep more than a placebo, and results may not apply to other groups.

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.

circadian rhythm sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SLEEP DISORDERS, CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908-0710, United States

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