A New Drug Aims to Make Early-Morning Work Shifts Less Brutal

Clinical trial data suggests a drug may fight early‑morning sleepiness.

BY MOSES JEANFRANCOIS, NEWS WRITER @MOSESJEANS

If you’re someone with an early-morning work shift, a new drug could one day help you wake up in the morning better than coffee or an energy drink. A recent clinical trial studied the drug solriamfetol on patients, and found that it boosted alertness and function in early-morning shift workers. 

Published in the peer-reviewed journal NEJM Evidence, nearly 100 participants were studied both with and without the new drug. Researchers found that those who were administered the drug were significantly less sleepy. 

The trial drug, solriamfetol, is a selective dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which arouses and activates the brain’s neurotransmitters and cognitive drive. The study emphasized helping those with excessive sleepiness in early‑morning shift workers, with shifts starting 3–7 a.m., and those diagnosed with Shift Work Disorder. 

The study, led by Kirsi-Marja Zitting, in Boston, Massachusetts, characterized Shift Work Disorder as misalignment between work schedules and the body’s circadian rhythm. The disorder is often caused by working nontraditional hours, leading to chronic insomnia, reduced productivity, and increased safety risks.

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“They are often dealing with a double burden — excessive sleepiness during work hours and difficulty sleeping enough when they have the chance to rest,” she told Science Daily.  

Regular aftereffects like severe fatigue and mood issues are standard, but in worse cases, the disorder can lead to gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, or even cancer in some cases. 

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficiency of the new drug. Patients were assessed on objective sleepiness with a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, which measured how long an individual can stay awake in a quiet, low-stimulation environment. 

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