Melatonin for Sleep in Children with Autism: A Controlled Trial Examining Dose, Tolerability, and Outcomes

Malow, Beth A.; Adkins, Karen W.; McGrew, Susan G.; Wang, Lily; Goldman, Suzanne E.; Fawkes, Diane; Burnette, Courtney P.

doi:10.1007/s10803-011-1418-3

Cited by 221 publications

(226 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…A growing body of evidence indicates abnormal melatonin secretion and circadian rhythmicity in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically ASD, which may explain the abnormal development of sleep/wake cycles, noted since the first year of life; such abnormalities justify the use of melatonin for insomnia in these populations (De Leersnyder, 2006; Tordjman et al, 2013). The use of melatonin for treating chronic sleep–wake cycle disorders of children with ASD/NGD is increasing (Rossignol and Frye, 2011; Cortesi et al, 2012; Gringras et al, 2012; 2017; Malow et al, 2012; Cuomo et al, 2017). In a recent meta‐synthesis of published studies on the effectiveness of sleep‐based interventions for children with ASD, it was concluded that melatonin, behavioural interventions and parent education/interventions appear the most effective at ameliorating multiple domains of sleep problems (Cuomo et al, 2017).…”

Section: Melatonin In the Treatment Of Circadian Rhythm And Sleep Dismentioning

confidence: 99%

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

Zisapel

2018

British J Pharmacology

550

350

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In mammals, a central circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, tunes the innate circadian physiological rhythms to the ambient 24 h light–dark cycle to invigorate and optimize the internal temporal order. The SCN‐activated, light‐inhibited production of melatonin conveys the message of darkness to the clock and induces night‐state physiological functions, for example, sleep/wake blood pressure and metabolism. Clinically meaningful effects of melatonin treatment have been demonstrated in placebo‐controlled trials in humans, particularly in disorders associated with diminished or misaligned melatonin rhythms, for example, circadian rhythm‐related sleep disorders, jet lag and shift work, insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, poor (non‐restorative) sleep quality, non‐dipping nocturnal blood pressure (nocturnal hypertension) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The diminished production of melatonin at the very early stages of AD, the role of melatonin in the restorative value of sleep (perceived sleep quality) and its sleep‐anticipating effects resulting in attenuated activation of certain brain networks are gaining a new perspective as the role of poor sleep quality in the build‐up of β amyloid, particularly in the precuneus, is unravelled. As a result of the recently discovered relationship between circadian clock, sleep and neurodegeneration, new prospects of using melatonin for early intervention, to promote healthy physical and mental ageing, are of prime interest in view of the emerging link to the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc

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Section: Melatonin In the Treatment Of Circadian Rhythm And Sleep Dismentioning

confidence: 99%

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

Zisapel

2018

British J Pharmacology

550

350

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“…Other medications used in this age group are benzodiazepines such as clonazepam that is available in a sublingual form. Melatonin is also often tried by parents and clinicians in this age group [3][4][5][6]. Some clinicians, in particular child psychiatrists, will recommend clonidine, an alpha 2 receptor agonist, in this population.…”

Section: Age-related Manifestations Of Insomniamentioning

confidence: 99%

Pharmacotherapy of Insomnia in Children

Pelayo

Huseni

2016

Curr Sleep Medicine Rep

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Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to maintain sleep to the point that it has a negative impact on time awake. Insomnia in adults may lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness but in children, the lack of quality sleep may lead to daytime behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and academic difficulty. The pharmacological treatment of insomnia in children is a challenging problem for clinicians since there is paucity of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. Parents often seek medical attention for their children when their own or other members of the family's sleep schedule has been disrupted. The clinician has to take into account the entire family when evaluating a child and making therapeutic recommendations. When evaluating a child with insomnia, it is not only important to take a thorough history of the child's sleep schedule but it also involves getting a detailed evaluation of the other family member's sleep history. The pharmacological management of insomnia is dependent on the child's age. The primary healthcare physician may have limited training in pediatric sleep disorders. Although the mainstay treatment for insomnia in children is behavioral therapy, in this chapter, we will provide a review of the medications that may be used as an adjunct treatment for pediatric insomnia.

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“…There are tudies [17,18] that show a prevalence of between 40 and 86% of sleep problems in children with ASD, including conciliation problems, maintenance and decreased of total sleep duration. These problems also correlate with changes in mood, gastrointestinal problems, and greater difficulties in social interaction of these children, as well as an increase of stereotypies and communication problems [9].…”

Section: Use Of Melatonin In Children With Autism Spectrum Disordermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The sample consisted of 24 children between 3 and 10 years with ASD [18]. They all showed an increase in sleep latency more than 30 minutes.…”

Section: Use Of Melatonin In Children With Autism Spectrum Disordermentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Melatonin in Children and Adolescents with Primary Sleep Disorders and Sleep Disorders Associated to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity

So¹,

Im²

2016

J Pediatr Care

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Background: Melatonin is an indoleamine often used for the treatment of primary and secondary insomnia in children and adolescents. Its hypnotic effect seems to be related to both, the reduction of the cortical activation, and the inhibition of the neural system responsible for the alertness. Goals of this study are to clarify the utility and safety of melatonin use in paediatric population and in adition to determine the dosage and the time of more effectiveness of melatonin administration in children and adolescents with primary sleep disorders and those associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Melatonin for Sleep in Children with Autism: A Controlled Trial Examining Dose, Tolerability, and Outcomes

Cited by 221 publications

References 31 publications

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

Pharmacotherapy of Insomnia in Children

Use of Melatonin in Children and Adolescents with Primary Sleep Disorders and Sleep Disorders Associated to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity

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