| Recent research - such as that performed by | | | | article that autistic children frequently suffer from |
| Jaak Panksepp, Ph.D. Bowling Green State | | | | sleep disorders, suggesting a melatonin-system |
| University Bowling Green, OH - demonstrates that | | | | related issue. As melatonin is the body's natural |
| the melatonin autism sufferers produce in their | | | | sleep regulator, Panksepp finds that autistic |
| bodies has an impact on the degree and the | | | | children are better capable of achieving the quality |
| appearance of their symptoms as well as their | | | | sleep they need, and for adequate periods of |
| ability to achieve a quality sleep. | | | | time when melatonin is supplemented. |
| The body's natural clock is based upon a | | | | Further to this finding, improved biological rhythms |
| twenty-five hour cycle which, clearly, does not line | | | | are also achieved through melatonin application and |
| up with the twenty-four hour solar clock on which | | | | a high anti-oxidant effect is witnessed. This |
| the world functions. In order to make up for this | | | | anti-oxidant effect is explained through the body's |
| lack of alignment, the human brain releases a | | | | natural sleep functions within which certain |
| hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is secreted by | | | | chemical reactions occur to counteract the day's |
| the pineal gland, located at the very base of the | | | | collection of harmful free radicals. Anti-oxidants |
| brain. This is the gland most commonly linked to | | | | slow down the degeneration of tissue, |
| the various nerve and neural pathways between | | | | hypertension, cataract, atherosclerosis, macular |
| the visual center in the brain and the eyes which | | | | degeneration in the eyes, and other results of high |
| take in the images. | | | | free radical levels in the body. Those free radicals |
| The pineal gland begins releasing melatonin when | | | | are neutralized by anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, |
| there is a lack of signals from the eyes to the | | | | vitamin E, carotenoids, and body-generated |
| visual center of the brain; that is, when it | | | | chemicals such as melatonin. |
| becomes dark. The greater the levels of | | | | With melatonin supplementation, autism sufferers |
| melatonin in the blood, the less capable the brain | | | | can gain not only improved sleep but also |
| stem (which is responsible for keeping us awake) | | | | powerful antioxidant performance, leading |
| is to keep us awake, and sleep results. | | | | researchers to believe that this safe and useable |
| The way in which melatonin actually functions | | | | hormone can greatly assist in the reduction of |
| remains a mystery, as only rough details of the | | | | autism symptoms that may have been |
| process are understood. What is known is that | | | | aggravated as a result of lack of sleep and from |
| the body depends on melatonin in order to | | | | free radical damage. With melatonin treatments - |
| become synchronized with the solar day, and to | | | | under the proper supervision and recommendation |
| regulate the times in which we work well, eat, and | | | | of the child's physician - many autistic children (and |
| sleep, as well as when the majority of the body's | | | | their parents for that matter) can sleep better |
| other hormones should or should not be present. | | | | and minimize the impact of their condition. |
| Melatonin is considered to be a safe enough | | | | Admittedly, further data is required before a final |
| substance that it is readily available without a | | | | statement can be made about the success - or |
| prescription, over-the-counter at local pharmacies. | | | | lack thereof - of melatonin autism therapy. |
| It is commonly used to treat sleep disturbances | | | | However, it has produced high hopes in many |
| and is usually most effective when taken a half | | | | parents who are eager to be able to reap these |
| hour before bedtime and when complimented by | | | | very appealing and easy-to-achieve rewards. |
| a "bedtime routine" such as dimming the lights and | | | | Speak to your child's physician if you feel your |
| keeping calm. | | | | child would benefit from melatonin |
| When it comes to melatonin autism therapies, the | | | | supplementation. |
| aforementioned Dr. Jaak Panksepp described in an | | | | |