Melatonin for sleep disorders in people with autism: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Melatonin for sleep disorders in people with autism: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Nogueira et al., 2023 | Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry | Meta Analysis
Citation
Nogueira Hellen Araujo, de Castro Caroline Tianeze, ... Pereira Marcos. Melatonin for sleep disorders in people with autism: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2023-Apr-20;123:110695. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110695
Abstract
Melatonin is a potential therapeutic intervention for improving sleep quality in people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigate the effect of using melatonin as a sleep disorder treatment in people with ASD. Interventionist studies were searched in seven databases. A total of 595 references were identified, 15 of which were eligible for the systemic review and meta-analysis. Melatonin use presented a positive effect on total sleep time (standardized mean difference- SMD = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.35; 1.21; I2 = 91%), on sleep latency (SMD = 1.23; 95%CI = 0.35; 2.11; I2 = 94%), and on sleep efficiency (SMD = -0.70; 95%CI = -1.23; -0.16; I2 = 91%) when comparing the intervention group with the placebo/control group via the global analysis. According to the global analysis, the wake after sleep onset and night awakening parameters were not statistically significant. Melatonin has possible efficacy over total time, latency, and efficiency sleep parameters.
Key Findings
Melatonin has possible efficacy over total time, latency, and efficiency sleep parameters.
Outcomes Measured
- sleep quality
- sleep efficiency
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | See abstract |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | sleep |
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Melatonin
- Autistic Disorder
- Sleep
- Polysomnography
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sleep Wake Disorders
Evidence Classification
- Level: Meta Analysis
- Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
- Vertical: melatonin-sleep
Provenance
- PMID: 36584862
- DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110695
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09