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

NCT ID NCT05701969

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

circadian rhythm sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Virginia

    RECRUITING

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908-0710, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••