A new clinical study has shown that the drug Solriamfetol can significantly improve wakefulness in people working early-morning shifts.

The trial, conducted by researchers from the Mass General Brigham and published in NEJM Evidence, included 78 participants diagnosed with sleep disorders associated with shift work.

After four weeks, participants receiving the drug were less sleepy, maintained alertness for longer periods, and showed improvements in daily and work-related activities.

The condition studied involves disrupted circadian rhythms—our internal biological clocks. People starting work very early, typically between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., are especially vulnerable, as the body is still in its sleep phase. Even with high motivation, it is difficult to stay focused and productive.

Early-morning workers often face a double challenge: pronounced sleepiness during work hours and difficulty achieving sufficient recovery during available rest periods. This can lead to decreased concentration, lower performance, and higher risk of errors, injuries, and traffic accidents.

While other wakefulness-promoting drugs, such as Modafinil, are used primarily for night-shift workers and may disrupt subsequent sleep, researchers focused on Solriamfetol. This drug, approved for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, supports wakefulness without significantly affecting later sleep.

The trial results demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements: participants were able to remain alert throughout an eight-hour shift and better manage daily tasks. This is particularly relevant as early-morning shifts are common but among the least studied work schedules.

Researchers note that these results are limited to a four-week observation period in generally healthy adults. Additional studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety.