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[Melatonin treatment of sleep disorders in disabled children]

Kjersti Ramstad1, Jon Håvard Loge

  • 1Seksjon for habilitering Barneavdelingen Akershus universitetssykehus Postboks 42 1474 Nordbyhagen. kjersti_ramstad@hotmail.com

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|June 27, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin effectively treats chronic sleep-wake cycle disorders in disabled children, improving circadian rhythm. Further research is needed on long-term effects and side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Disabilities

Context:

  • Chronic sleep-wake cycle disorders are prevalent in developmentally and neurologically disabled children.
  • These disorders often resist conventional hypnotic and psychotropic medications.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of melatonin in treating sleep-wake cycle disorders in disabled children.
  • To review existing literature and present clinical experience with melatonin treatment.

Summary:

  • A literature search identified 75 articles, with 33 focusing on disabled children, generally indicating melatonin improves sleep-wake disorders.
  • Clinical observations in 15 children showed positive effects in 13, aligning with literature findings.
  • Current research highlights melatonin's benefits but notes limitations in understanding side effects and long-term outcomes.

Impact:

  • Melatonin shows promise as a treatment for sleep disturbances in this vulnerable population.
  • Provides practical suggestions for melatonin use in disabled children.
  • Highlights the need for further controlled studies on safety and efficacy.
Abstract

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