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Modafinil attenuates disruptions in cognitive performance during simulated night-shift work
Carl L Hart1, Margaret Haney, Suzanne K Vosburg
1Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. clh42@columbia.edu
Modafinil improved cognitive performance and mood in shift workers during night shifts. However, higher doses of modafinil caused sleep disturbances during day shifts, indicating a trade-off.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Shift work disrupts sleep and performance, increasing accident risk.
- Common shift worker complaints include sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate modafinil's effects on cognitive/psychomotor performance, mood, and sleep during simulated shift work.
- To assess modafinil's efficacy in mitigating night-shift-related impairments.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, within-participant study with 11 participants over 23 days.
- Simulated day and night shifts with placebo or modafinil (200, 400 mg) administration.
- Evaluated cognitive performance, mood, and objective/subjective sleep measures.
Main Results:
- Night shifts impaired cognitive performance and mood compared to day shifts.
- Modafinil reversed night-shift-induced cognitive and mood disruptions.
- Higher modafinil doses affected sleep during day shifts, but not significantly during night shifts.
Conclusions:
- Abrupt shift changes cause significant cognitive and mood impairments during night work.
- Therapeutic modafinil doses can counteract night-shift disruptions.
- Higher modafinil doses may induce sleep alterations during day-shift work.
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