Sleep hormone trial aims to stop Post-Surgery confusion in elderly

This study tested whether melatonin, a natural sleep-regulating hormone, can prevent postoperative delirium—a common and serious state of confusion—in older adults having emergency surgery for broken hips or knees. Researchers gave 357 patients aged 70+ either melatonin or a placebo pill for six nights around their surgery and monitored them for confusion. The goal was to see if this simple, low-cost treatment could reduce a major complication that increases hospital stays, healthcare costs, and loss of independence.