About this resource:
Source: The Cochrane Collaborative
Last Reviewed: August 2014
In this Cochrane systematic review, the Cochrane Collaborative found that taking melatonin may improve sleep length, but not sleep quality, after a night shift. The review also included studies that looked at other drugs, and researchers found that modafinil and armodafinil may reduce sleepiness and increase alertness. They also noted that the drugs included in the studies have potentially serious side effects.
Objectives related to this resource (2)
Little or no detectable change
Suggested Citation
Liira, J., Verbeek, J.H., Costa, G., Driscoll, T.R., Sallinen, M., Isotalo, L.K. & Ruotsalainen, J.H. (2014). Pharmacological interventions for sleepiness and sleep disturbances caused by shift work. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014 (8). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009776.pub2.