Testing melatonin and low-dose quetiapine for insomnia in patients with psychiatric disorders

Efficacy of Melatonin, Low-dose Quetiapine, or Placebo in Patients With Psychiatric Disorders and Comorbid Insomnia: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of Copenhagen · NCT06062953

This study is testing whether melatonin and a low dose of quetiapine can help people with psychiatric disorders sleep better compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment255 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Copenhagen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen NV)
Trial IDNCT06062953 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of melatonin and low-dose quetiapine compared to a placebo in treating insomnia among patients with psychiatric disorders. It is a randomized, blinded, three-armed, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess not only the improvement in sleep but also the overall symptom severity, sleep quality, psychosocial functioning, and subjective well-being of participants. Over a six-week treatment period, participants will receive either melatonin, quetiapine, or a placebo, followed by a brief tapering phase. The study aims to provide insights into how these treatments can alleviate insomnia in this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 to 64 with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder and self-reported sleep difficulties occurring at least three times a week.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment with melatonin or quetiapine, or those with severe comorbidities or substance dependency, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for insomnia in patients with psychiatric disorders, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using melatonin for sleep disorders, but the combination with low-dose quetiapine in this specific population is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 16 to 64 years of age
* ICD-10 diagnosis of a current or previous mental or behavioral disorder (F20-F69, F84, F90-95)
* For the diagnoses F84 and F90 a previous period of treatment with melatonin is required
* For the 16-17 years old: Non-pharmacological treatment options including sleep hygiene education, weighted blanket or other gravity products have been tested with insufficient effect
* Self-reported sleep difficulties at least three times per week in the preceding 3 months
* Insomnia Severity Index score ≥11
* Women of childbearing potential: negative pregnancy test at baseline and use of highly effective contraception measures
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current treatment with melatonin or quetiapine
* Severe somatic comorbidity
* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2
* Breastfeeding
* Alcohol and/or substance dependency within the last 3 months
* Inadequate Danish language skills
* Not able to make an informed consent
* Increased cardiac risk as assessed by presence of cardiac risk factors, cardiac symptoms, or prolonged QT-interval at baseline ECG

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen NV

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychiatric DisordersInsomnia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.