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Effect of melatonin in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders

Waleed A Al Twaijri1, Dua'a Ba Armah1, Najla Bin Sabbar1

  • 1Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatric, King Abdullah Children Specialist Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|March 21, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin significantly improved sleep quality and duration in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders. This study found positive impacts on falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, and overall sleep time without major side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are common in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
  • These sleep disturbances can negatively impact development and quality of life.
  • Melatonin is a potential therapeutic option for managing sleep issues in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
  • To assess the safety and side effects of melatonin treatment in this specific pediatric group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in a pediatric neurology clinic.
  • Parental questionnaires were used to gather data on sleep patterns before and after melatonin use.
  • Demographic data and sleep parameters were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-three children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders participated.
  • Melatonin showed significant improvements in time to fall asleep, reduced nighttime awakenings, increased total sleep time, and improved wake-up time.
  • No major adverse effects were reported during the study.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin demonstrated a significant positive impact on sleep quality and duration in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
  • The findings support melatonin as an effective and safe intervention for sleep disorders in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childrenmelatoninneurodevelopmental disabilitiesside effectsleep disorders

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