This study is looking at whether melatonin can help improve sleep for medical residents who work night shifts. Residents often have trouble sleeping well during and after these shifts. Researchers want to see if taking melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep, can increase the total amount of sleep residents get. You might be able to join if you are a resident (Post-Graduate Year 1-5) in anesthesiology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, general medicine, or pediatrics at the University of Virginia. You cannot join if you use other sleep aids, have a diagnosed sleep disorder, or have a pacemaker. The study will measure your total sleep time over two weeks to see if melatonin makes a difference.

Study design

This is an interventional study with 50 participants. You would be randomly assigned to receive either melatonin or a placebo (an inactive substance), and neither you nor the study staff would know which one you are taking.

What's involved

You would take a capsule daily for 12 days and wear a portable EEG monitor (a device that tracks brain waves for sleep) for 12 consecutive days.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Your total sleep time will be measured over two weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.