Effect of melatonin on sleep-wake rhythm: the sleep diary of an autistic male.
This study reports on melatonin treatment in autism. A 14-year-old autistic male with severe mental retardation was given melatonin at a dose of 6 mg at 9:00 pm (C1) or 11:00 pm (C2). His parents kept a sleep diary. In C1, he often experienced early morning waking and fragmented night sleep but in C2, night sleep was prolonged and sleep-wake rhythm was improved. Suitable medication time, therefore, improved the sleep-wake rhythm.
Hayashi
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Kaga Welfare Institution, Tokyo, Japan. etsukohay@aol.com
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008550:Melatonin