Effects of melatonin administration on daytime sleep after simulated night shift work

In a study involving 21 night shift workers, melatonin increased daytime sleep time but had no impact on alertness or performance during night shifts.

• Melatonin was administered at a dose of 1.8 mg sustained-release 0.5 hours before daytime sleep episodes.
• Polysomnography recorded sleep, while sleepiness and performance were assessed using the multiple sleep latency test and neurobehavioral testing.
• Melatonin prevented a decrease in daytime sleep time compared to baseline, but this effect was only observed on the first day of administration.
• Greater increases in sleep time were noted in subjects who had difficulty sleeping during the day.
• No improvements in alertness, performance, or mood were observed during night shifts following melatonin administration.
• The findings indicate potential tolerance to melatonin's sleep-promoting effects that may require further study.

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