Children are often plagued by pediatric insonia, especially those that are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This problem affects academic and social functioning, overall health, and family life. However, many parents are reluctant to give their children prescription sleep aids due to the possibility of developing dependence on them.

     In a recent study, children with autistic spectrum disorder were divided into two groups and were given either 3mg of melatonin or a placebo for 2 weeks, and then alternated for another 2 weeks. Sleep variables, including sleep duration, sleep-onset time, sleep-onset latency time, and the number of night awakenings, were recorded. The results of the study indicated that the mean night sleep duration was longer on melatonin than placebo, the mean sleep-onset latency was shorter, and mean sleep-onset time was earlier by 42 minutes.*

     In a literature review and meta-analysis published in MEDLINE, melatonin was associated with improvement in sleep onset and sleep latency in 4 studies in children 6-14 years old with ADHD and insomnia. The doses ranged from 3mg to 6mg given within a few hours of bedtime. Adverse events were transient and mild in all studies.**

Pharmacy Innovations can create customized strengths and forms of melatonin for your child per the doctor's prescription. For more information call our nearest location or CLICK HERE.

*www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19968048

** www.medscape.com/viewarticle/714909