Sleep hormone melatonin tested to stop Post-Surgery confusion in seniors
NCT ID NCT04335968
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in elderly patients after leg fracture surgery. Delirium affects up to 40% of older adults after major surgery and can lead to longer hospital stays and loss of independence. The trial enrolled 357 patients aged 70 and older, giving them either 4 mg of melatonin or a placebo each night from before surgery until five days after.
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 give doctors a simple, safe way to prevent confusion after surgery in older adults.
What could go wrong
The trial is completed but results are not yet widely confirmed. Melatonin may not reduce delirium in all patients, and individual responses can vary.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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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hôpital Beaujon
Clichy-sous-Bois, 93390, France