This article is evidence-based, verified by\u00a0<\/em>Dr. Ahmed Zayed<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the most common points of debate related to autism has been its effects on healthy sleep patterns. From what numerous studies suggest, somewhere between 60 and 70% of children with autism have issues falling asleep<\/a> or sleeping throughout the night without waking up a couple of times in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Before we get into how melatonin affects the sleep pattern in children with autism<\/a>, it is vital to give it a proper definition. Apart from being a hormone, melatonin is also a neurotransmitter that is produced by the pineal gland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following what we said above, melatonin levels seem to affect the circadian rhythm and thus one\u2019s ability to get the much-needed nighttime rest. Numerous studies suggest that levels in children with autism were not nearly as same as those that don\u2019t suffer from the condition. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, even when the melatonin levels for the night\nwere the same, the levels during the day were increased, which messed up the\ncircadian rhythm in the long term. These abnormalities have been successfully\nrelated to issues with social interaction, focus, as well as repetitive use of\nobjects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It seems that the relationship between melatonin and autism<\/a> is much more significant than it was once thought. While it is true that external stimuli profoundly affect sleep patterns by triggering children and keeping them awake, adjusting the atmosphere seems to be much easier than balancing melatonin levels. But can it be done, and if so, how does it affect autism as a whole?<\/p>\n\n\n\n