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Exogenous melatonin for sleep problems in individuals with intellectual disability: a meta-analysis
Wiebe Braam1, Marcel G Smits, Robert Didden
1's Heeren Loo Zuid, Wekerom, The Netherlands. Wiebe.Braam@sheerenloo.nl
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Melatonin effectively treats sleep problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities. This meta-analysis found melatonin significantly reduced sleep latency and nighttime awakenings while increasing total sleep time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Recent meta-analyses question melatonin's efficacy for sleep issues in the general population.
- Previous trials suggest melatonin may benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin in treating sleep problems specifically in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- To synthesize evidence from placebo-controlled randomized trials on melatonin for sleep disturbances in ID.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on placebo-controlled randomized trials identified through PubMed, Medline, and Embase (1990-2008).
- Nine studies involving 183 individuals with ID were analyzed.
- Sleep latency, total sleep time, and number of nocturnal awakenings were primary outcome measures.
- Trial quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.
Main Results:
- Melatonin treatment significantly decreased sleep latency by an average of 34 minutes (p<0.001).
- Total sleep time increased by an average of 50 minutes (p<0.001).
- The number of wakes per night was significantly reduced (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is an effective treatment for sleep problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The findings support the use of melatonin to improve sleep quality and duration in this population.
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