Cognitive performance following modafinil versus placebo in sleep-deprived emergency physicians: a double-blind randomized crossover study.

Objectives: Modafinil has recently been approved for the treatment of shift work sleep disorder, making it potentially available for shift-working emergency physicians. The authors' objectives were to determine whether modafinil improved cognitive performance of emergency physicians following overnight shifts and to record symptoms and subjective evaluations of the effect of modafinil on the participants.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study that followed CONSORT guidelines.

Modafinil, sleep deprivation, and cognitive function in military and medical settings.

Military personnel of many professions, including health care workers, are routinely challenged with performing their duties during hours when the circadian rhythm is at its trough, namely, late night and early morning. Studies have shown that cognitive performance declines significantly during these hours. Although many pharmacologic agents have been studied in an attempt to find a safe medication to enhance alertness and cognitive function, no safe nonaddictive options have been identified.