Melatonin and Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that develops during early childhood. It is characterized by social communication deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The various comorbid problems affect the daily functioning and quality of life of patients and their families. In particular, sleep problems, including insomnia, negatively affect the children's social interactions, emotions, and behavior. Melatonin is the most commonly prescribed drug for sleep problems related to ASD during childhood and adolescence, and the link between decreased melatonin concentration and the pathogenesis of sleep disturbances in ASD has been focused on recently. It is essential to evaluate sleep problems in children with ASD and to make appropriate therapeutic interventions. This article reviews the findings on the sleep-melatonin relationship in patients with ASD.

Role of Melatonin in Preterm Birth

“…Recent developments in neonatology have focused on fetal brain injury, which is considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants [22]. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH, where CSF is produced) and white matter abnormalities frequently appear in preterm infants, resulting in neurosensory and cognitive disabilities [23][24][25]. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of preterm infants' brain injury to be complex and multifactorial.…”

“…Melatonin had already shown its therapeutic potential for sleep disorders, jet lag, or shift work [25,26]. Generally, the action of melatonin is determined by the nocturnal secretion pattern.…”