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Review
. 2015 Jun;10(2):181-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.02.008. Epub 2015 Mar 23.

Melatonin Treatment in Children with Developmental Disabilities

A J Schwichtenberg  1 , Beth A Malow  2
Affiliations
Review

Melatonin Treatment in Children with Developmental Disabilities

A J Schwichtenberg et al. Sleep Med Clin. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Melatonin is commonly recommended to treat sleep problems in children with developmental disabilities. However, few studies document the efficacy and safety of melatonin in these populations. This article reviews recent studies of melatonin efficacy in developmental disabilities. Overall, short treatment trials were associated with a significant decrease in sleep onset latency time for each of the disorders reviewed, with 1 notable exception-tuberous sclerosis. Reported side effects were uncommon and mild. Across disorders, additional research is needed to draw disability-specific conclusions. However, studies to date provide positive support for future trials that include larger groups of children with specific disabilities/syndromes.

Keywords: Angelman syndrome; Autism; Developmental disabilities; Melatonin; Sleep; Smith–Magenis syndrome.

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