Melatonin and Autism Ranking:

Studies and Trials

This section provides details of scientific studies into the effectiveness of melatonin for autistic people which have been published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals.

If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org

Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.

Related Studies and Trials

• Appleton R. E. et al. (2011) Mends: the use of melatonin in children with neuro-developmental disorders and impaired sleep - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 96 Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Ayyash H. F. et al. (2015) Melatonin for sleep disturbance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: prospective observational naturalistic study. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 15(6), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Cortesi F. et al. (2012) Controlled-release melatonin, singly and combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, for persistent insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Journal of Sleep Research. 21(6), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Galli-Carminati G., Deriaz N., Bertschy G. (2009) Melatonin in treatment of chronic sleep disorders in adults with autism: a retrospective study. Swiss Medical Weekly. 139(19), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Garstang J., Wallis M. (2006) Randomized controlled trial of melatonin for children with autistic spectrum disorders and sleep problems. Child: Care, Health and Development. 32(5), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Gringras P. et al. (2012) Melatonin for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: randomised double masked placebo controlled trial. British Medical Journal. 345 Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Gupta R., Hutchins J. (2005) Melatonin: a panacea for desperate parents?: Hype or truth. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 90(9), Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Hayashi E. (2000) Effect of melatonin on sleep-wake rhythm: the sleep diary of an autistic male. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 54(3), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Malow B. A. et al. (2012) Melatonin for sleep in children with autism: A controlled trial examining dose, tolerability, and outcomes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 42(8), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Paavonen E. J. et al. (2003) Effectiveness of melatonin in the treatment of sleep disturbances in children with Asperger disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 13(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Wasdell M. B. et al. (2007) A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of controlled release melatonin treatment of delayed sleep phase syndrome and impaired sleep maintenance in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Journal of Pineal Research. 44(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Wirojanan J. et al. (2009) The efficacy of melatonin for sleep problems in children with autism, fragile X syndrome, or autism and fragile X syndrome. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 5(2), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Wright B. et al. (2011) Melatonin versus placebo in children with autism spectrum conditions and severe sleep problems not amenable to behaviour management strategies: A randomised controlled crossover trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 41(2), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  

Updated

16 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Nov 2017

Next Review

01 Apr 2024