Efficacy of lemborexant on sleep quality and neurocognitive outcomes among hospital rotating shift workers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Rotating shift work affects circadian alignment and sleep continuity, resulting in cognitive impairment and low-grade systemic inflammation in healthcare professional. We assessed the effectiveness of lemborexant 5 mg (LEM5) on sleep, neurocog...
Key Findings
Rotating shift work affects circadian alignment and sleep continuity, resulting in cognitive impairment and low-grade systemic inflammation in healthcare professional. We assessed the effectiveness of lemborexant 5 mg (LEM5) on sleep, neurocognitive function, inflammatory biomarkers, and health-related quality of life in hospital rotating shift workers experiencing sleep disorders. Rotating shift workers aged 20 to 60 years, experiencing inadequate sleep opportunity and suboptimal sleep quality, were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive LEM5 or a matching placebo for a duration of 3 weeks, with follow-up extending to 6 weeks. Sleep was evaluated by Fitbit Inspire 2 actigraphy and approved Thai versions of questionnaires (ESS, PSQI). Cognitive outcomes included MoCA, DSST, and GP. Plasma BDNF, IL-6, and CRP levels were assessed at baseline and at week 6. Forty-seven participants were randomized (LEM5 n = 25, placebo n = 22), and all completed the follow-up. LEM5 yielded significant improvements in MoCA, DSST, and GP completion times for both hands (all p < 0.001). LEM5 significantly decreased IL-6 and CRP levels, whereas variations in BDNF remained comparable between groups. Actigraphy revealed persistent benefit over 42 days in TST, sSOL, WASO, deep NREM sleep, REM sleep, and SE. The PSQI and EQ-5D visual analogue scores shown considerable improvement with LEM5. Somnolence and nightmares were more prevalent with LEM5; nevertheless, no significant adverse events occurred. LEM 5 improved sleep architecture, cognitive function, inflammatory profiles, and health-related quality of life in rotating shift healthcare workers, indicating its promise as a therapeutic intervention for this high-risk demographic.
Why This Matters for Body-Mind Practice
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