Melatonin is a dietary supplement that may improve sleep patterns in adults and children. Developmental disorders such as autism can affect a child's ability to get a good night's sleep, which could make day-to-day symptoms worse. While melatonin is considered safe for most people, discuss its use with your child's pediatrician.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid. Traditionally used to improve sleep patterns in those with jet lag, melatonin is being researched for its use in the treatment of sleep disorders caused by a range of diagnoses, including autism. Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and is thought to play a role in sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin levels vary during the day, which may influence when you fall asleep and how long you sleep. Synthetic melatonin supplements encourage sleep by increasing melatonin levels when you need them.
Autism
Autism is the broad term for a variety of developmental disorders. While autism varies in its degree of impairments, most cases involve some degree of social inappropriateness or isolation. Kids with autism are less likely to interact with others, and tend to miss the social cues their peers pick up on. In addition, they are often more susceptible to other related disorders such as seizures, ADHD and learning disabilities. Another symptom of autism -- and one that may not come immediately to mind -- is its effect on the sleep-wake cycle.
Sleep Disorders
Around half to three-quarters of kids with autism have some type of sleep disorder, according to Autism Speaks. While the average child's melatonin levels are higher than those of adults, kids with autism tend to produce less of this natural hormone. In addition, those with co-existing ADHD may have a double whammy: These kids often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Sleeping pills may not be recommended, but melatonin is a natural substance and can generally be used with few side effects.
Using Melatonin
The Mayo Clinic cites scientific evidence that melatonin can improve the sleep of children with developmental disorders such as autism. While Mayo recommend more studies be completed to further research melatonin's use for this purpose, it does seem to reduce the time it takes for kids with autism to fall asleep. It may also allow them to sleep longer. A study reviewed by Autism Speaks found that while sleep problems did persist in a majority of the kids studied, around 85 percent of them noticed improved sleep with melatonin use. Though it is a natural hormone, melatonin can have side effects that interact with certain psychiatric medications. If you are considering melatonin, talk to your child's pediatrician for advice and dosage recommendations.
