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Bruni O, Biggio G, Malorgio E, Nobili L. Insomnia in children affected by autism spectrum disorder: The role of melatonin in treatment. Sleep Med 2024; 119:511-517. [PMID: 38805858 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The present article explores the connection between insomnia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the efficacy and safety of melatonin treatments as supported by existing research and current guidelines. In this narrative review a group of Italian experts provide an analysis of the various aspects of managing insomnia in children with ASD, highlighting key points that could enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. This includes the significance of comprehensively understanding the root causes of a child's sleep difficulties for more effective, long-term management. Insomnia, a condition frequently documented in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD, greatly affects the lives of patients and caregivers. Recent data show that melatonin-based formulations are effective and safe for treating ASD-related insomnia both short and long term. In particular, prolonged-release melatonin is poised to be the optimal choice for this patient population. This formulation is approved for the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years suffering from ASD and/or Smith-Magenis syndrome, where sleep hygiene measures and behavioral treatments have not been sufficient. In support, emerging research in pediatric settings indicates long-term efficacy and safety, although further research efforts are still needed. Current guidelines recommend managing insomnia and sleep disturbances in ASD using a combination of behavioral and pharmacological methods, primarily melatonin. Recent concerns about accidental melatonin ingestion highlight the need for high purity standards, such as pharmaceutical-grade prolonged-release formulations. The article also summarizes emerging molecular mechanisms from preclinical research, suggesting future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliviero Bruni
- Dept of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Biggio
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, University of Cagliari, 09042, Cagliari, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (C.N.R.), University Campus, 09042, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Malorgio
- Italian Federation of Primary Care Pediatricians (Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri, FIMP), Expert on Sleep Disorders AIMS, Torino, Italy.
| | - Lino Nobili
- IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute. Department of Neuroscience - Rehabilitation - Ophthalmology - Genetics - Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI) - University of Genova, Italy.
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Kotagal S, Malow B, Spruyt K, Wang G, Bolaños Almeida CE, Tavera Saldaña LM, Blunden S, Narang I, Ipsiroglu OS, Bruni O, Strazisar BG, Simakajornboon N, Nunes ML, Cortese S. Melatonin use in managing insomnia in children with autism and other neurogenetic disorders - An assessment by the international pediatric sleep association (IPSA). Sleep Med 2024; 119:222-228. [PMID: 38704869 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Though it is widely prescribed for improving sleep of children with autism and other neurogenetic disorders, there is a need for practical guidance to clinicians on the use of melatonin for managing insomnia in this population. Because data were either lacking or inconclusive, a task force was established by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) to examine the literature based on clinical trials from 2012 onwards. A summary of evidence pertaining to melatonin's utility and potential side effects, practice-related caveats, and insights for use are published herewith.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kotagal
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Beth Malow
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Sleep Disorders Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Karen Spruyt
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, INSERM, 75019, Paris, France
| | - Guanghai Wang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Carlos Ernest Bolaños Almeida
- Pediatric Neurologist and Sleep Medicine MD MsC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Sleep Lab Coordinator at HOMI Fundacion, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Lina Marcela Tavera Saldaña
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Sleep Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Sleep Lab Coordinator at Neuroconexión, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Sarah Blunden
- Psychology and Paediatric Sleep, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, CQUniversity Australia, Adelaide, Australia; School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Indra Narang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M4S 2V6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Osman S Ipsiroglu
- Interdisciplinary Sleep Program & BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Austria 938 W 28th Avenue Vancouver, Vienna, BC, V5Z 4H4, Australia
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Dept of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Gnidovec Strazisar
- Centre for Paedatric Sleep Disorders, Pediatric Department, General Hospital Celje, University of Maribor, Oblakova ulica 5, 3000, Celje, Slovenia
| | - Narong Simakajornboon
- Sleep Center, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA; Department of Pediatric, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7041, OH, USA, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Magda Lahorgue Nunes
- Titular de Neurologia da Escola de Medicina, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Brain Institute (InsCer), Brazil
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Petti T, Gupta M, Fradkin Y, Gupta N. Management of sleep disorders in autism spectrum disorder with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: update for clinicians. BJPsych Open 2023; 10:e11. [PMID: 38088185 PMCID: PMC10755553 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To update and examine available literature germane to the recognition, assessment and treatment of comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disruption, with a predominant focus on children, adolescents and emerging adults. BACKGROUND Considerable overlaps exist among ASD, ADHD and sleep disruption. Literature and guidance for clinicians, administrators, policy makers and families have been limited, as such deliberations were rarely considered until 2013. METHOD This narrative review of the literature addressing sleep disruption issues among those with ASD, ADHD and comorbid ASD and ADHD involved searching multiple databases and use of reverse citations up to the end of September 2022. Emphasis is placed on secondary sources and relevant data for clinical practice. RESULTS Complex clinical presentations of ASD/ADHD/sleep disruption are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Prior to 2013, prevalence, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, prognosis, other sleep-related factors and interventions were determined separately for each disorder, often with overlapping objective and subjective methods employed in the process. High percentages of ADHD and ASD patients have both disorders and sleep disruption. Here, the extant literature is integrated to provide a multidimensional understanding of the relevant issues and insights, allowing enhanced awareness and better care of this complex clinical population. Database limitations are considered. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of ASD symptomatology in youth with ADHD, and the reverse, in cases with disrupted sleep is critical to address the special challenges for case formulation and treatment. Evidence-based approaches to treatment planning and multi-treatment modalities should consider combining psychosocial and biological interventions to address the complexities of each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Petti
- Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mayank Gupta
- Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuli Fradkin
- Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Händel MN, Andersen HK, Ussing A, Virring A, Jennum P, Debes NM, Laursen T, Baandrup L, Gade C, Dettmann J, Holm J, Krogh C, Birkefoss K, Tarp S, Bliddal M, Edemann-Callesen H. The short-term and long-term adverse effects of melatonin treatment in children and adolescents: a systematic review and GRADE assessment. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 61:102083. [PMID: 37483551 PMCID: PMC10359736 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, melatonin is used to treat children and adolescents with insomnia without knowing the full extent of the short-term and long-term consequences. Our aim was to provide clinicians and guideline panels with a systematic assessment of serious-and non-serious adverse events seen in continuation of melatonin treatment and the impact on pubertal development and bone health following long-term administration in children and adolescents with chronic insomnia. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and PsycINFO via Ovid, up to March 17, 2023, for studies on melatonin treatment among children and adolescents (aged 5-20 years) with chronic insomnia. The language was restricted to English, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish. Outcomes were non-serious adverse events and serious adverse events assessed 2-4 weeks after initiating treatment and pubertal development and bone health, with no restriction on definition or time of measurement. Observational studies were included for the assessment of long-term outcomes, and serious and non-serious adverse events were assessed via randomised studies. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The protocol is registered with the Danish Health Authority. Findings We identified 22 randomised studies with 1350 patients reporting on serious-and non-serious adverse events and four observational studies with a total of 105 patients reporting on pubertal development. Melatonin was not associated with serious adverse events, yet the number of patients experiencing non-serious adverse events was increased (Relative risk 1.56, 95% CI 1.01-2.43, 17 studies, I2 = 47%). Three studies reported little or no influence on pubertal development following 2-4 years of treatment, whereas one study registered a potential delay following longer treatment durations (>7 years). These findings need further evaluation due to several methodological limitations. Interpretation Children who use melatonin are likely to experience non-serious adverse events, yet the actual extent to which melatonin leads to non-serious adverse events and the long-term consequences remain uncertain. This major gap of knowledge on safety calls for caution against complacent use of melatonin in children and adolescents with chronic insomnia and for more research to inform clinicians and guideline panels on this key issue. Funding The Danish Health Authority. The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, supported by the Oak Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nicole Händel
- The Danish Health Authority, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Anja Ussing
- The Danish Health Authority, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Virring
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Poul Jennum
- Danish Centre for Sleep Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanette Mol Debes
- Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Laursen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lone Baandrup
- Bispebjerg and Gentofte Departments, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital – the Mental Health Services of the Capital Region in Denmark & Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Gade
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Dettmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital – NOH, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Jonas Holm
- The Occupational Therapist Association, Denmark
| | - Camilla Krogh
- The Danish Health Authority, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Simon Tarp
- The Danish Health Authority, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Bliddal
- Research Unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henriette Edemann-Callesen
- The Danish Health Authority, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Evidence-Based Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark
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Horsnell J, Mangar S, Dimitriou D, Halstead EJ. Parental Experiences of Melatonin Administration to Manage Sleep Disturbances in Autistic Children and Adolescent in the UK. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1780. [PMID: 37372898 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic children and adolescents are 40-80% more likely to experience sleep disturbances than their neurotypical peers. In the United Kingdom, melatonin is licensed for short-term usage in adults at age 55 years and above; however, it is often prescribed to autistic children and adolescents to help manage their sleep. The current study sought to understand parental experiences and their motivation of using melatonin to manage sleep disturbances of their autistic children. METHODS The sample included 26 parents who took part in online focus groups answering questions regarding their experiences of using melatonin as a sleep treatment for their children diagnosed with autism between 4 and 18 years old. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: (i) parental perception of melatonin used as 'a naturally produced hormone'; (ii) perceived benefits of using melatonin to improve their child's sleep; (iii) administration of melatonin: dosage amount, timing and pulverising; and (iv) expectation and apprehension over melatonin use. CONCLUSION Some parents reported success with the use of melatonin, and others reported the effects being limited or diminishing in time. Suggestions for healthcare professionals and families regarding melatonin usage in the UK are made with respect to setting clear guidelines for usage, whilst ensuring expectations are set and managed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Horsnell
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK
- Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK
| | - Stephen Mangar
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK
- Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Halstead
- Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK
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Hoshino K. Problems in the Development of the Sleep-Wake Rhythm Influence Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111859. [PMID: 37296711 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the sleep-wake rhythm has a significant effect on the physical and mental development of children. The sleep-wake rhythm is controlled by aminergic neurons in the brainstem's ascending reticular activating system, which is associated with synaptogenesis and the promotion of brain development. The sleep-wake rhythm develops rapidly within the first year after birth. At 3-4 months of age, the framework of the circadian rhythm is established. The objective of the present review is to assess a hypothesis concerning problems in the development of the sleep-wake rhythm and their effect on neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by a delay in the development of sleep rhythms at 3-4 months of age and also insomnia and night-time awakenings, as supported by several reports. Melatonin may shorten the sleep latency in ASD. Rett syndrome sufferers kept awake during the daytime were analysed by the Sleep-wake Rhythm Investigation Support System (SWRISS) (IAC, Inc., (Tokyo, Japan)), and the cause was found to be the dysfunction of aminergic neurons. Children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show sleep problems such as resistance to bedtime, difficulty falling asleep, sleep apnoea, and restless legs syndrome. Sleep deprivation syndrome in schoolchildren is deeply influenced by Internet use, games, and smartphones, and this syndrome affects emotion, learning, concentration, and executive functioning. Sleep disorders in adults are strongly considered to affect not only the physiological/autonomic nervous system but also neurocognitive/psychiatric symptoms. Even adults cannot avoid serious problems, much less children, and the impact of sleep problems is considerably greater in adults. Paediatricians and nurses should be aware of the significance, from birth, of sleep development and sleep hygiene education for carers and parents. This research was reviewed and approved by the ethical committee of the Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children (No. SMNCC23-02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Hoshino
- Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
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Martinez-Cayuelas E, Merino-Andreu M, Losada-Del Pozo R, Gavela-Pérez T, Garcés C, Soriano-Guillén L. Response to Melatonin Treatment in Children With Autism spectrum Disorder and Relationship to Sleep Parameters and Melatonin Levels. J Child Neurol 2023:8830738231173606. [PMID: 37192744 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231173606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is one of the most used pharmacologic treatments for sleep problems in autism spectrum disorder, though its relationship with circadian and sleep parameters is still not well stablished. A naturalistic study was conducted in children with autism spectrum disorder, previously drug-naïve, before and after treatment with immediate-release melatonin. Circadian rhythms and sleep parameters were studied using an ambulatory circadian-monitoring device, and saliva samples were collected enabling determination of dim light melatonin onset. Twenty-six children with autism spectrum disorder (age 10.50 ± 2.91) were included. Immediate-release melatonin modified circadian rhythm as indicated by wrist skin temperature, showing an increase at night. A positive correlation was found between time of peak melatonin and sleep efficiency improvement values. Sleep-onset latency and efficiency improved with immediate-release melatonin. Immediate-release melatonin could be an effective treatment to improve sleep onset and restore a typical pattern of wrist temperature, which appears to be lost in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martinez-Cayuelas
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros Merino-Andreu
- Neurophisiology, Sleep Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana, 261. 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Losada-Del Pozo
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcés
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Nogueira HA, de Castro CT, da Silva DCG, Pereira M. Melatonin for sleep disorders in people with autism: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 123:110695. [PMID: 36584862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Araujo Nogueira
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Barreiras, BA, Brazil
| | - Caroline Tianeze de Castro
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, R. Basílio da Gama, s/n - Canela, Salvador 45760-030, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Pereira
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, R. Basílio da Gama, s/n - Canela, Salvador 45760-030, Bahia, Brazil.
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9
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Duan D, He L, Chen H, Lei Y, Wu W, Li T. Efficacy of auricular plaster therapy for sleep disorders in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Neurol 2022; 13:973609. [PMID: 36262834 PMCID: PMC9574001 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.973609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) suffer from sleep disorders to a considerable degree; however, there is no safe and effective treatment available in clinical practice. The objective of the trial is to assess the clinical effectiveness of auricular plaster therapy (APT) in treating sleep disorders in children with ASD. Method This is a single-center, patient-assessor blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 44 preschool children with sleep disorders with ASD will be included in this study. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the auricular plaster group or the sham auricular plaster group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the different groups will receive APT or sham APT, respectively, for a total of 30 sessions over 30 days. The primary outcome includes the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), while secondary outcomes include the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and polysomnography (PSG) for total sleep time, sleep latency, awakening duration, and sleep structures. The CSHQ and ABC will be assessed at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after randomization, whereas PSG will be assessed at baseline and 30 days after randomization. The follow-up period will be scheduled to be 60, 90, and 120 days after randomization. Discussion The results of this study may provide evidence of the efficacy of APT, as well as offer new alternatives for the treatment of sleep disorders in children with ASD. Trial registration CHiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2100048257). Registered on July 5, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoxi Duan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin He
- Foreign Language School, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Lei
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Li
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10
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Singla R, Mishra A, Cao R. The trilateral interactions between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders: an emerging model. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:355. [PMID: 36045116 PMCID: PMC9433414 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian (~24 h) rhythms in physiology and behavior are evolutionarily conserved and found in almost all living organisms. The rhythms are endogenously driven by daily oscillatory activities of so-called "clock genes/proteins", which are widely distributed throughout the mammalian brain. Mammalian (mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a fundamental intracellular signal transduction cascade that controls important neuronal processes including neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, metabolism, and aging. Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is associated with psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and mood disorders (MD), in which patients often exhibit disrupted daily physiological rhythms and abnormal circadian gene expression in the brain. Recent work has found that the activities of mTOR signaling are temporally controlled by the circadian clock and exhibit robust circadian oscillations in multiple systems. In the meantime, mTOR signaling regulates fundamental properties of the central and peripheral circadian clocks, including period length, entrainment, and synchronization. Whereas the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, increasing clinical and preclinical evidence support significant crosstalk between mTOR signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the trilateral interactions and propose an "interaction triangle" model between mTOR signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders (focusing on ASD and MD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubal Singla
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812 USA
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812 USA
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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11
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Role of Melatonin in the Management of Sleep and Circadian Disorders in the Context of Psychiatric Illness. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:623-634. [PMID: 36227449 PMCID: PMC9633504 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We present a review of research on the role of melatonin in the management of sleep and circadian disorders, stressing current overall view of the knowledge across psychiatric disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Dysregulation of sleep and circadian rhythms has been established in several psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders for long. Recent research confirms this finding consistently across disorders. The secretion of melatonin in schizophrenia and neurocognitive disorders is reduced due to a smaller volume and enlarged calcification of the pineal gland. On the other hand, melatonin dysregulation in bipolar disorder may be more dynamic and caused by light-sensitive melatonin suppression and delayed melatonin secretion. In both cases, exogenous melatonin seems indicated to correct the dysfunction. However, a very limited number of well-designed trials with melatonin to correct sleep and circadian rhythms exist in psychiatric disorders, and the evidence for efficacy is robust only in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neurocognitive disorders. This topic has mainly not been of interest for recent work and well-designed trials with objective circadian parameters are few. Overall, recent studies in psychiatric disorders reported that melatonin can be effective in improving sleep parameters such as sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality. Recent meta-analysis suggests that optimal dosage and dosing time might be important to maximize the efficacy of melatonin. The knowledge base is sufficient to propose well-designed, larger trials with circadian parameters as inclusion and outcome criteria. Based on the partly fragmentary information, we propose testing efficacy in disorders with neurocognitive etiopathology with later and higher dosing, and affective and anxiety disorders with lower and earlier dosing of melatonin. Melatonin is promising for the correction of sleep and circadian abnormalities in psychiatric disorders. However, research results on its effect are still few and need to be accumulated. For effective use of melatonin, it is necessary to consider the appropriate dosage and administration time, depending on the individual abnormality of sleep and circadian rhythms.
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