Melatonin and Autism
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Ranking : 
Type(s) : Diets and supplements
Introduction
Melatonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter which regulates our biological clock.
Some people with autism appear to have problems benefiting from melatonin.
This may take the form of not producing enough, producing it at the wrong times, or the brain not being sensitive enough to the melatonin that is there.
This can lead to sleep disturbances and subsequent emotional and behavioural problems.
These problems may sometimes be helped by taking melatonin supplements.
Opinion
There is strong evidence that melatonin may be effective in reducing sleep disturbances in some individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
Because of this we feel that large scale, high-quality research is justified.
Further information
Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention, including relevant research studies and details of how we ranked them.
Disclaimer
Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.
Last Updated : 14/02/2012 Back to Top
