Autism Therapy: insomnia

definition of insomnia: not yet defined.

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Melatonin for Insomnia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Journal of Child Neurology, by Anderson, IM, Kaczmarska J., McGrew SG, and Malow BA, published in 2008, summarized Jul 1, 2008

Melatonin may help in the treatment of sleep problems in children with autism.

This study was designed to describe the results of using melatonin therapy (0.75 - 6.0 mg/day) to treat 107 children with autism spectrum disorder who had sleep problems. Melatonin was safe and caused few side effects. Almost all children in the study who were treated with melatonin had improved sleep. The authors state that the study does not allow them to conclude that the improved sleep was the result of just the melatonin therapy. They also state that the type of melatonin supplements used varied from child to child.


The Use of Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Pediatric Insomnia in Primary Care: Rational Approaches. A Consensus Meeting Summary
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, by Owens, JA, Babcock D., Blumer J., Chervin R., Ferber R., Goetting M., Glaze D., Ivanenko A., Mindall J., Rappley M., et al., published in 2005, summarized Jun 24, 2007

Parents whose children have trouble sleeping should first learn about behavioral therapy so that the parents can make bedtimes and sleeping as easy as possible for their child.

Children with autism often have trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep may make behavior worse and make life harder for the child and the family. The best way to treat sleep problems is to first work to fix things that may be making it hard for the child to sleep. This approach includes behavior therapy and sleep hygiene. Any drugs that are prescribed to help with sleep should be watched closely to see if the drugs also bring with them bad side effects.


Ramelteon for Insomnia in Two Youths with Autistic Disorder
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, by Stigler, KA, Posey DJ, and McDougle CJ, published in 2006, summarized Jan 8, 2007

Ramelteon may help sleep problems in children with autism.

Many children with autism have trouble sleeping (insomnia). This case study describes the effects of ramelteon on two boys (ages 7 and 18) with autism. Both boys had trouble getting to sleep and these problems improved when they were treated with ramelteon. When on ramelteon, the boys did not have any daytime sleepiness, nor did they have headaches or dizziness. Unlike other sleep aids, ramelteon does not seem to cause difficulty thinking (cognitive impairment).


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