Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: The Effects of Hydrocortisone, Melatonin, and Placebo on Symptoms of Jet Lag
Brief Summary:
This study will examine the effects of cortisol (hydrocortisone), melatonin, a combination of cortisol and melatonin, and placebo (an inactive substance) on jet lag symptoms. Jet lag is a term used to describe symptoms people commonly experience after rapid travel across several time zones. The cause of jet lag is not known, but various hormones, including cortisol and melatonin, have a day-to-night pattern of secretion and play a role in maintaining the body's internal rhythms. This study will test whether taking cortisol, melatonin, or both can help re-establish the body's day-night cycle and result in less jet lag.
People between 18 and 65 years of age who are planning a non-stop eastward flight with the following characteristics may be eligible for this study:
Candidates must have a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30 kg/M (not too thin and not overweight) and must not be taking medicines that affect sleep or cortisol or melatonin levels. Prospective participants are screened with a medical history, blood tests, and check of blood pressure, height, and weight.
Pre-flight Procedures
Participants keep a sleep journal 3 days before the flight. For 1 day within 3 days of the flight they fill out jet lag and sleepiness questionnaires and collect morning and bedtime