Melatonin for Daytime Sleep in Resident Trainees During Night Float
Summary
This randomized controlled trial is testing whether melatonin can improve daytime sleep in resident physicians working overnight shifts. Participants take a timed melatonin dose before attempting to sleep during the day, and researchers track outcomes such as sleep duration, sleep consolidation, and overall quality. The goal is to see if melatonin can help counteract the challenges of sleeping against the body’s natural rhythms. The trial is registered but has not yet published results.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
Trying to sleep after working through the night often means battling daylight and an alert internal clock. Melatonin acts as a signal of “nighttime” for the body, which may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during the day. If this study shows meaningful benefits, melatonin could become a low-cost, practical option for improving rest and recovery in people working demanding night schedules.
Notes
Resident physicians; sleep duration/quality outcomes.