Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Insomnia in children affected by autism spectrum disorder: The role of melatonin in treatment.

Sleep medicine
July 1, 2024
Oliviero Bruni et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of melatonin treatments for insomnia in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on prolonged-release formulations.

Results Summary

The study found that melatonin-based formulations, particularly prolonged-release melatonin, are effective and safe for treating ASD-related insomnia both short and long term. Current guidelines recommend combining behavioral and pharmacological methods, primarily melatonin, for managing sleep disturbances in ASD.

Population

Children and adolescents aged 2-18 years with ASD and/or Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Long-term (exact duration not specified)

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin-based formulations
decrease
ASD-related insomnia
children with ASD
-
are effective and safe
#1
prolonged-release melatonin
decrease
insomnia
this patient population
-
is poised to be the optimal choice
#2
prolonged-release melatonin
decrease
insomnia
children and adolescents aged 2-18 years suffering from ASD and/or Smith-Magenis syndrome
-
is approved for the treatment
#3
melatonin
decrease
insomnia
pediatric settings
-
indicates long-term efficacy and safety
#4
a combination of behavioral and pharmacological methods, primarily melatonin
decrease
insomnia and sleep disturbances in ASD
-
-
recommend managing
#5
Abstract

The present article explores the connection between insomnia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the efficacy and safety of melatonin treatments as supported by existing research and current guidelines. In this narrative review a group of Italian experts provide an analysis of the various aspects of managing insomnia in children with ASD, highlighting key points that could enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. This includes the significance of comprehensively understanding the root causes of a child's sleep difficulties for more effective, long-term management. Insomnia, a condition frequently documented in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD, greatly affects the lives of patients and caregivers. Recent data show that melatonin-based formulations are effective and safe for treating ASD-related insomnia both short and long term. In particular, prolonged-release melatonin is poised to be the optimal choice for this patient population. This formulation is approved for the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years suffering from ASD and/or Smith-Magenis syndrome, where sleep hygiene measures and behavioral treatments have not been sufficient. In support, emerging research in pediatric settings indicates long-term efficacy and safety, although further research efforts are still needed. Current guidelines recommend managing insomnia and sleep disturbances in ASD using a combination of behavioral and pharmacological methods, primarily melatonin. Recent concerns about accidental melatonin ingestion highlight the need for high purity standards, such as pharmaceutical-grade prolonged-release formulations. The article also summarizes emerging molecular mechanisms from preclinical research, suggesting future therapeutic approaches.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMelatoninSleep Initiation and Maintenance DisordersAutism Spectrum DisorderChildAdolescentQuality of Life
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety85
Efficacy80/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations2
Citations/Year2.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.60
Normalized Score0.81
Related Supplements
Insomnia in children affected by autism spectrum disorder: T... | Panacea Index