Research from Mass General Brigham in Boston reveals a promising new treatment for early morning shift workers struggling to maintain alertness. The drug, known as solriamfetol and marketed under the name Sunosi, has shown effectiveness in reducing excessive sleepiness among individuals whose work hours begin between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. This study highlights a significant health issue faced by workers whose schedules conflict with their natural sleep patterns.
The clinical trial involved 78 participants who reported difficulties in staying awake during their shifts. Researchers assessed the impact of solriamfetol over a four-week period, monitoring how long participants could remain alert in a controlled environment that mimicked their typical work conditions. The findings indicate that those administered solriamfetol experienced a marked reduction in sleepiness and improved productivity both at work and in daily activities.
Implications for Worker Health and Safety
Dr. Charles Czeisler, chief of sleep medicine at Mass General Brigham, emphasized the relevance of these findings, stating, “The improvement we saw is clinically meaningful.” He noted that participants were able to stay awake and alert throughout an entire eight-hour shift, which has critical implications for performance, safety, and overall quality of life.
The study addresses the pervasive issue of shift work disorder, a condition that affects a large proportion of early morning workers. This disorder can lead to impaired cognitive function, decreased job performance, and increased risk of accidents, both on the road and in the workplace.
Dr. Kirsi-Marja Zitting, one of the study authors, explained the challenge faced by early shift workers: “People who start work between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. are waking up at a time when the brain is biologically programmed to sleep. That makes staying alert extraordinarily difficult, even when they are highly motivated.”
The introduction of solriamfetol as a treatment option presents a potential solution for those affected by this issue. As the drug is already approved for use in treating excessive daytime sleepiness associated with conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy, its application for early morning shift workers could significantly enhance their productivity and safety.
This research not only fills a critical gap in addressing the needs of early morning workers but also underscores the importance of understanding how work schedules affect health and well-being. With ongoing discussions about workplace policies and employee health, the findings from this study may catalyze further research and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of shift workers across various industries.
