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The Treatment of Sleep Problems Using Melatonin

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Clinical Handbook of Behavioral Sleep Treatment in Children on the Autism Spectrum

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Abstract

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain in response to low levels of light. It plays an important role in the regulation of the internal circadian clock as well as sleep/wake regulation. Children on the autism spectrum have dysregulation of the melatonin system which likely contributes to sleep problems. Administration of exogenous melatonin is commonly prescribed for children on the autism spectrum whose sleep problems are not improved with behavioral approaches. This chapter will outline the rationale for melatonin as a treatment for sleep problems in children on the autism spectrum, summarize the evidence for this approach, and provide an outline for the implementation of melatonin treatment for sleep problems in children on the autism spectrum.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Joanna E. MacLean

  2. Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Joanna E. MacLean

  3. Vanderbilt Sleep Disorders Division, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Beth A. Malow

Authors
  1. Joanna E. MacLean
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  2. Beth A. Malow
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Correspondence to Joanna E. MacLean .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health - Te Kaupeka Oranga, University of Canterbury - Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Laurie K McLay

  2. Faculty of Health - Te Kaupeka Oranga, University of Canterbury - Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Karyn G France

  3. School of Psychology, Speech & Hearing - Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo, University of Canterbury - Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Neville M Blampied

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MacLean, J.E., Malow, B.A. (2022). The Treatment of Sleep Problems Using Melatonin. In: McLay, L.K., France, K.G., Blampied, N.M. (eds) Clinical Handbook of Behavioral Sleep Treatment in Children on the Autism Spectrum. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99134-0_15

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