Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism, by James B. Adams, Ph.D.
page 12Melatonin
Rationale: Many children and adults with autism have sleep problems, including falling asleep, nighttime waking, and early waking. These sleep problems have a strong correlation with gut problems, and healing the gut seems to reduce many of those sleep problems.
However, if sleep problems continue, supplementation with melatonin can help. Melatonin is the hormone the body naturally produces at nighttime to regulate sleep. It is formed from the neurotransmitter serotonin, so low serotonin levels can cause low melatonin levels.
Testing: The best test for melatonin is simply a trial of it if a person has continuing sleep problems not due to other causes (see below).
Treatment: Melatonin production is greatly reduced by light, and even a simple nightlight can greatly decrease melatonin production. So, first try eliminating all sources of light.
For problems falling asleep, first try a behavioral approach of a regular nighttime routine (at a fixed time, begin bath/shower, brush teeth, story, etc.). Also, be sure to eliminate caffeine and reduce sugar intake at nighttime.
If sleep problems persist, start with 1 mg of melatonin (0.5 mg for children), and increase up to 2-5 mg if necessary (1-2 mg for children). If waking occurs during the night, then try a time-release form rather than increasing the dose. 2 mg time-release can be better than 5 mg all at once.
Safety: Melatonin seems to be exceptionally safe, and high dosages in animals produce no toxicity, and a study of 1400 women taking 75 mg/day for up to 4 years with no adverse effects. In fact, animal studies suggest that long-term use of melatonin can increase lifespan 20%, presumably due to its strong antioxidant effect.
ARI Survey of Parent Ratings of Treatment Efficacy:
| % worse | % no change | % better | # of reports | |
| Melatonin | 8% | 30% | 61% | 573 |
For more info, go to www.melatonin.com
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