Efficacy and Hypnotic Effects of Melatonin in Shift‑Work Nurses
Summary
This randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial examined the effects of melatonin on 86 nurses working night shifts. After completing an overnight shift, participants took either 5 mg of melatonin or placebo before attempting daytime sleep. Compared with placebo, melatonin significantly reduced sleep onset latency, allowing participants to fall asleep more quickly, and improved subjective ratings of sleep quality. It did not increase total sleep time or reduce awakenings. No adverse effects were reported.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For night-shift nurses, this study shows that melatonin can improve the ability to initiate sleep and enhance perceived sleep quality following overnight duty. Although it did not extend overall sleep duration, melatonin may be a useful strategy for workers who have difficulty transitioning into daytime sleep. These findings support melatonin as a safe, time-sensitive option for improving recovery rest in shift work settings.
Notes
Open access RCT in nurses.