The MIDNIGHT trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Melatonin in doctors and nurses working night shifts (the MIDNIGHT trial).
IRAS ID
189148
Contact name
Helen Galley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Eudract number
2015-004106-42
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15529655
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Melatonin is produced by the brain and controls sleeping patterns. Levels peak at around 4am and when night shift workers attempt to sleep in the daytime when melatonin levels are low, a ‘mismatch’ between melatonin levels and timing of sleep occurs. It takes several days to adapt. Recent studies have shown that when there is a mismatch between melatonin secretion and sleep patterns, there are changes in gene expression in the blood. Night shift working has been associated with adverse health effects, which might be related to these changes.\n\nPoorer performance and alertness has been reported in night shift workers and this continues until the timing of melatonin secretion has changed to match sleeping patterns. Administration of melatonin has been used previously in ‘jet lag’ - which is a similar situation to that of night shift workers. However it is unknown whether taking a dose of melatonin helps sleeping patterns and work performance to recover quicker or whether it prevents the gene expression changes. \nIn this study we will give a slow release form of melatonin (called Circadin) or a dummy drug (placebo) to doctors and nurses who are working a series of night shifts. \n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
16/NS/0010
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion