Investigating melatonin's effects on sleep for resident trainees during night shifts
Official title: Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Patterns of Resident Trainees During Night Float Shift
Run by University of Virginia · NCT05701969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if melatonin can help resident trainees get better sleep while working night shifts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 30, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05701969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include residents in their first to fifth year of training in anesthesiology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, general medicine, or pediatrics at the University of Virginia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently using sleep aids, diagnosed with sleep disorders, or having certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or depression may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of melatonin on the sleep patterns of resident trainees working night float shifts in various medical specialties. Participants will be randomized to receive either melatonin or a placebo, with their sleep monitored using portable EEG devices over a 12-day period. The study will assess changes in sleep quality and quantity, particularly focusing on deep sleep and REM sleep, to determine if melatonin can effectively improve sleep during demanding night shifts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to enhance sleep quality for medical residents, potentially improving their overall performance and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that melatonin can effectively realign circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality in shift workers, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Post-Graduate Year 1-5 * Current enrollment in anesthesiology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, general medicine, or pediatrics residency at the Unversity of Virginia Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of sleep aids * Diagnosed sleep disorder * History of a pacemaker or other medical device. * pregnant or breast-feeding females * Bleeding disorders * Depression * High blood pressure * Seizure disorders * History of transplant on immunosuppression therapy.
Where it's running
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauren Dunn, MD PHD — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Keita Ikeda, PH.D.
- Email: ki2d@uvahealth.org
- Phone: 9195931174
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.