A DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL OF MELATONIN AS A TREATMENT FOR JET-LAG IN INTERNATIONAL CABIN CREW

This study investigated the efficacy of oral melatonin in alleviating jet lag in flight crew after a series of international flights. The op timal time for taking melatonin in this group was also investigated. I n a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 52 international cabin crew were randomly assigned to three groups; early melatonin (5 mg started 3 days prior to arrival until 5 days after return home); late melaton in (placebo for 3 days then 5 mg melatonin for 5 days); and placebo. D aily ratings showed a trend in jet lag, mood, and sleepiness measures toward an improved recovery in the late melatonin group and a worse re covery in the early melatonin group as compared to placebo. Retrospect ive ratings made 6 days after arrival showed the late melatonin group reported significantly less jet lag and sleep disturbance following th e flight compared to placebo. The late melatonin group also showed a s ignificantly faster recovery of energy and alertness than the early me latonin group, which reported a worse overall recovery than placebo. T hese findings show melatonin may have potential benefits for internati onal aircrew.