Perspective on Melatonin Use for Sleep Problems in Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Parvataneni T, Srinivas S, Shah K, Patel RS
Cureus. 2020 May 28;12(5):e8335.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.8335.
Commentary* by Dr. Margaret Weiss: Multiple meta-analyses have confirmed melatonin to be safe and effective for initial insomnia in neurodevelopmental disorders. This is one of the least expensive, most effective and benign pharmacological interventions in this population.
ABSTRACT
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and is available over the counter for treating sleep problems in the pediatric population. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on MEDLINE and included six studies that met our inclusion criteria. RCTs were conducted in patients from two to 18 years of age with a diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-IV diagnosis of autism spectrum disease (ASD) and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both short-term and long-term RCTs ranging from eight-week to 52-week studies. The mean difference in the children’s sleep disorder showed statistically significant improvement in sleep duration and sleep latency onset compared to the placebo. Overall, a high response rate was observed in the melatonin group compared to the placebo in treating sleep problems in children. Melatonin is a well-tolerated and safe medication in the dose range of 2-10 mg/day in the child and adolescent population.
* Abstracts are selected for their clinical relevance by Dr. Margaret Weiss, Director of Clinical Research, Child Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard University. Her commentary reflects her own opinion. It is not approved or necessarily representative of the CADDRA board