Study of Melatonin to Improve Sleep in Resident Doctors During Night Float Shifts

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effect of melatonin on sleep patterns in resident physicians working night float shifts. The study focuses on residents in various specialties including anesthesiology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, general medicine, and pediatrics. Night float shifts are known to reduce total sleep quantity and quality, especially deep and REM sleep, and melatonin is being studied for its potential to help realign circadian rhythms and improve sleep in this setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 3 mg of melatonin or a matching placebo during two separate night float periods with at least two weeks between them. They will take one capsule at least 20 minutes before sleep or after completing their night shift for a 12-day period each time. The study includes baseline sleep monitoring for 2-3 nights, 5-6 nights during night float, and 3-4 nights of recovery, using a portable EEG device to record detailed sleep data. Throughout the study, participants will wear the EEG monitor to track sleep stages such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, along with measures like total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset. They will also complete daily questionnaires on daytime sleepiness and stimulant use. Data collected will compare sleep quality and quantity during melatonin and placebo weeks to assess the impact of melatonin on resident sleep during night float shifts.

Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Patterns of Resident Trainees During Night Float Shift