Melatonin for sleep disorders in people with autism: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2023 Apr 20:123:110695. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110695. Epub 2022 Dec 28.

Abstract

Melatonin is a potential therapeutic intervention for improving sleep quality in people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigate the effect of using melatonin as a sleep disorder treatment in people with ASD. Interventionist studies were searched in seven databases. A total of 595 references were identified, 15 of which were eligible for the systemic review and meta-analysis. Melatonin use presented a positive effect on total sleep time (standardized mean difference- SMD = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.35; 1.21; I2 = 91%), on sleep latency (SMD = 1.23; 95%CI = 0.35; 2.11; I2 = 94%), and on sleep efficiency (SMD = -0.70; 95%CI = -1.23; -0.16; I2 = 91%) when comparing the intervention group with the placebo/control group via the global analysis. According to the global analysis, the wake after sleep onset and night awakening parameters were not statistically significant. Melatonin has possible efficacy over total time, latency, and efficiency sleep parameters.

Keywords: Autism; Melatonin; Meta-analysis; Sleep disorders; Systematic review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / complications
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Autistic Disorder* / complications
  • Autistic Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Melatonin* / pharmacology
  • Melatonin* / therapeutic use
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / etiology

Substances

  • Melatonin