Modafinil Improves Cognitive Function but Hinders Falling Asleep

You know the feeling -- the lethargy, mild nausea, and dulled thought processes that occur during a night shift. Modafinil is a recently approved agent for use in combating excessive sleepiness due to shiftwork sleep disorder. These authors evaluated its effect on cognitive performance in emergency physicians working night shifts.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 25 physicians received either modafinil (200 mg) or placebo for a single night shift. At least 7 weeks later, they received the other agent for another night shift. Cognitive testing showed that modafinil improved attention, memory, and errors of omission. However, on a visual analog scale, participants reported more difficulty falling asleep after …