Getting Enough Sleep for Someone With Autism

Here is another simple remedy for sleeplessness in persons with Autism:

Melatonin

Melatonin is very safe, and actually has some health benefits. Children tolerate it well with few side effects. It sometimes causes grogginess the next morning, but this can be remedied by cutting the usual dose in half.

The tablets generally come in 3 mg doses, which is more than enough for an adult. You can also purchase 1.5 mg doses, but it is a little harder to find this package. Cutting the pill or using half a capsule works fine.

Extended release Melatonin is available, and works well, but is usually a little more expensive. Give the child the dose 20 - 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. Lately, we have been giving it about an hour before bedtime, to avoid the morning grogginess.

It is non-narcotic, (not habit-forming--non addictive) and is available over the counter without a prescription at most regular pharmacies. This will not be like a regular sedative, it doesn't work the same way. It does not prevent the child from awakening to use the bathroom (if he/she is toilet trained.)

My son is very picky about what he will eat or put into his mouth--(well at least food anyway!) and I was worried that he would refuse to take the Melatonin. But after coaxing the first pill into him and a good night's sleep, he accepted the next night's pill easily and now just puts it in his mouth and chews it. As a teen, he sometimes even reminds me that he needs to take one! He used to have dark circles under his eyes all the time, and with a regular good night's sleep he doesn't have this anymore.

So what is Melatonin?
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Melatonin is a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. Melatonin may help our bodies know when it's time to go to sleep and when it's time to wake up. There are two types of melatonin that may be used in the pills: natural and synthetic (man-made). Natural melatonin is made from the pineal gland of animals. This form could be contaminated with a virus and is therefore not recommended. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk. If you are not sure if your melatonin is natural or synthetic, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Research has shown the effectiveness of Melatonin for this use, and also for use in treating jet lag.


Melatonin Deficiency
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"Significant reductions in overall melatonin levels have been seen in Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and disturbed melatonin regulation may underlie sleep disturbances seen in many ASD subjects."

~"Autism, Brain, and Environment" by Richard Lathe 2006