Use of melatonin in the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with autism spectrum disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3143Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Melatonin, Circadian Rhythm, TherapeuticsAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with sleep disorders, which negatively impact cognitive and behavioral functioning, as well as the quality of life of patients and their families. In this context, melatonin has been widely investigated as a therapeutic alternative for the management of these alterations. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the use of melatonin in the treatment of sleep disorders in individuals with ASD. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases, between January and March 2026. Articles published between 2016 and 2025, in Portuguese and English, were included, totaling 14 studies in the final sample. The results indicate that melatonin is associated with reduced sleep latency, increased total sleep time, and decreased nighttime awakenings. Additionally, it presents a favorable safety profile, with predominantly mild adverse effects. However, limitations in the literature include the lack of standardization of doses and formulations, as well as insufficient data on long-term effects. It is concluded that melatonin represents an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with ASD, especially when combined with behavioral interventions, although further studies are needed to improve its clinical application.
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