title: Melatonin Treatment in Children with Developmental Disabilities.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Department of Psychological Sciences, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, 1202 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2055, USA. Electronic address: ajschwichtenberg@purdue.edu.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schwichtenberg
authors.affiliation: Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Room A-0116, Nashville, TN 37232-2551, USA.
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Malow
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008550:Melatonin
keywords: Angelman syndrome; Autism; Developmental disabilities; Melatonin; Sleep; Smith–Magenis syndrome