Armodafinil Improves Simulated Driving and Alertness in Shift Work Disorder
Summary
This randomized crossover study tested whether a single 150 mg dose of armodafinil could help night-shift workers with Shift Work Disorder stay alert and drive more safely. Twenty participants completed overnight lab sessions with either armodafinil or placebo. Compared to placebo, armodafinil reduced lane drifting and off-road errors in a driving simulator, increased time before falling asleep in lab tests, and improved performance on a creativity task. Benefits lasted up to 9.5 hours after dosing, covering the critical early morning period when many shift workers are commuting home.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For people with Shift Work Disorder, dangerous fatigue often peaks during the drive home after a night shift. This study shows that armodafinil can help improve alertness and driving performance during those hours. While the research was small and done in a lab simulator, the results suggest that under medical guidance, wake-promoting medications may be a useful tool for those whose sleepiness is severe and not managed by routines, light, or schedule adjustments alone.
Notes
Complementary to Mayo Clin Proc RCTs on modafinil/armodafinil.