The pineal gland in the brain secretes the hormone melatonin in response to the light-dark cycle. Melatonin regulates body temperature, the sleep cycle, hormone activity and other circadian functions run by the body's internal biological clock. At night, higher levels of melatonin are released to induce sleepiness; levels drop during early morning hours and throughout the day to promote alertness. Disruptions in this normal secretion pattern have been linked to various types of sleep disturbances.

Evidence suggests that autistic children are much more prone to circadian rhythm dysfunction and disrupted sleep patterns than their healthy peers.1 These problems may be rooted in a number of dysfunctions related to melatonin production and secretion.

Clinical research has linked abnormal levels of tryptophan and serotonin, which the body uses as source material for producing melatonin, to autistic behavioral symptoms in adults.2-4

Researchers Chamberlain and Herman of the Brain Research Center at the Children's National Medical Center have suggested that autistic children may oversecrete melatonin, triggering a chain of hormonal and biochemical reactions affecting opioids and neurotransmitters that act on the brain.5 Yet some studies have observed that nightly melatonin supplementation in children with autism and other neurological and developmental disorders appears to improve sleep patterns in up to 80% of these children.6 In one Japanese study, utilizing melatonin to improve the sleep habits of autistic children also reduced the amount of emotional and behavior problems in the children.7

That both high and low levels of melatonin have been associated with autism may arise from disruptions in circadian rhythms that manifest uniquely in each autistic individual, and differently at different ages. Indeed, an abnormal circadian secretion pattern of melatonin has even been called a "biological parameter" of the condition.8

Assessing an individual's circadian secretion of melatonin using the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile (3 timed saliva samples over 24 hours) allows practitioners to develop the most effective, accurately timed doses when utilizing melatonin therapy and can also alert to highs or lows that require individualized treatment strategies.

References

1 Patzold LM, Richdale AL, Tonge BJ. An investigation into sleep characteristics of children with autism and AspergerÕs Disorder. J Paediatr Child Helath 1998;34(6):528-33.

2 Crooneneberghs J, Delmeire L, Verkerk R, Lin AH, Meskal A, Nees H, Van Der Planken M, Scharpe S, Deboutte D, Pison G, Maes M. Peripheral markers of serotonergic and noradrenergic function in post-pubertal, caucasian males with autistic disorder. Neuropsychopharm 2000;22(3):275-83.

3 Warrne RP, Singh VK. Elevated serotonin levels in autism: association with the major histocompatibility complex. Neuropsychobiol 1996;34(2):72-5.

4 McDougle CJ, Naylor ST, Cohen DJ, Aghajanian GK, Heninger GR, Price LH. Effects of trytophan depletion in drug-free adults with autistic disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1996;53(11):993-1000.

5 Chamberlain RS, Herman BH. A novel biochemical model linking dysfunctions in brain melatonin, proopiomelanocortin peptides, and serotonin in autism. Bio Psychiatry 1990;28(9):773-93.

6 Jan JE, O'Donnell ME. Use of melatonin in the treatment of paediatric sleep disorders. J Pineal Res 1996;21(4):193-9.

7 Ishizaki A, Sugama M, Takeuchi N. Usefulness of melatonin for developmental sleep and emotional/behavior disorders and studies of melatonin trial on 50 patients with developmental disorders. [Japanese] No To Hattatsu 1999;31(5):428-37.

8 Nir I, Meir D, Zilber N, Knobler NH, Hadjez J, Lerner Y. Brief report: circadian melatonin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and cortisol levels in serum of young adults with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 1995;25(6):641-54.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.