Sleep Medication

What is melatonin and why is it important?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain that helps to control sleep patterns. However, it is argued that sometimes this hormone does not function effectively, and so it may be useful to take a manmade prescription version of the hormone to aid with sleep problems such as falling asleep and night waking [1].
Many studies have shown melatonin to be an effective treatment for sleep problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including improving time to get to sleep, total sleep time and number of wakes per night [2]. However, it is very important that melatonin is used only through the support of Sleep Right/a medically trained professional.

Here is a brief overview of the pathway to obtaining melatonin treatment for sleep disorders:

• Sleep disturbance has been present for a minimum of 6 months at the time of referral and/or is so severe that the child/family is heading for crisis
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• You will have participated in the Sleep Right programme (which has been unsuccessful)
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• Sleep Right refer you to a specialist clinician who may prescribe melatonin (known as Circadin m/r)
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• There is a 3-month trial period using melatonin which aims to withdraw the treatment at the end of the trial period
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• You must continue to engage with Sleep Right during the treatment

For detailed information on the use of melatonin
for sleep disorders CLICK HERE

References:
‍¹ NHS.(n.d.). Melatonin for sleep problems. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/
‍² Braam,W., Smits, M. G., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., Geijlswijk, I. M. V., & Curfs,L. M. (2009). Exogenous melatonin for sleep problems in individuals withintellectual disability: a meta‐analysis. Developmental Medicine &Child Neurology, 51(5), 340-349.