Abstract

BARROSO ESPADERO, D.  and  UGARTE LIBANO, R.. How can melatonin be useful to school age children and adolescents with sleep onset delay?. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria [online]. 2012, vol.14, n.54, pp.167-177. ISSN 1139-7632.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1139-76322012000300011.

Authors´ conclusions: melatonin demonstrated efficacy (sleep parameters) in school aged children and adolescents whit delayed sleep phase disorders: advancing sleep onset time, delayed latency, and others. An earlier time of administration could increase the effect. The adverse events rates were: low (none serious). Results in waking hours (cognition, general health, mood...): few improvements. Reviewers' commentary: the results evidenced that melatonin did better than placebo. It could be used in selected cases of chronic sleep onset insomnia. Small benefit (doubtful clinical significance) that disappears after short-term treatment periods. Remain unproved: prolonged treatments (safety...); benefits in waking hours; recommendation of earlier time of administration. Patients with longer times of delay: not specifically investigated. Evidences coming from few studies of small sample size, most of them not from healthy children (high percentages of: ADHD, comorbidities and stimulants drugs).

Keywords : Adolescent; Melatonin; Child; Therapy; Sleep disorders; Sleep disorders; circadian rhythm.

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