Effect of Suvorexant vs Placebo on Daytime Sleep in Shift Workers: Randomized Clinical Trial
Summary
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested suvorexant, a sleep medication, in 19 night-shift workers who struggled to sleep after shifts. Compared with placebo, suvorexant significantly increased daytime total sleep: about 1 extra hour after one week on 10 mg and more than 2 extra hours after two weeks on 20 mg. Subjective reports suggested even greater gains, with participants sleeping nearly 3 extra hours compared to placebo by the end of the study. Physician ratings confirmed the improvement, and no adverse events were reported.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
Getting enough rest after a night shift can be one of the toughest challenges of shift work. This study shows that suvorexant — a medication that targets the brain’s wake-promoting system — helped workers add 2–3 hours of sleep during the day without safety concerns in the short term. While good sleep habits, light control, and timing strategies remain the first line of defense, this evidence suggests that medication may provide an extra option for workers who still struggle to get the sleep they need.
Notes
JAMA Network Open trial; focuses on daytime sleep after shifts.