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Impact of melatonin on driving performance
A Suhner1, P Schlagenhauf, A Tschopp
1University of Zurich Travel Clinic, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|October 17, 1998
Summary
Melatonin at 5 mg did not objectively impair driving performance in healthy adults. However, it did increase subjective sleepiness, warranting caution when driving after taking melatonin.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Millions self-prescribe melatonin for various uses, raising safety concerns.
- Assessing melatonin's impact on driving performance is crucial for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of melatonin on driving-related performance in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 20 healthy participants.
- Participants received 5 mg melatonin or placebo, followed by a driving computer test battery assessing attention, reaction time, and coordination.
- Subjective sleepiness was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale.
Main Results:
- Melatonin significantly affected only selective attention within normal ranges.
- Subjective sleepiness increased significantly after a prolonged concentration task.
- No adverse effects on clinical examination or body sway were observed.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin (5 mg) demonstrated no objective adverse impact on driving performance.
- Increased subjective sleepiness necessitates caution when driving after melatonin use.