According to Medical Xpress, University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are recruiting participants for a study on the effectiveness of melatonin for children with ADHD and sleep difficulties.

UQ School of Medicine’s Dr Jane Nikles said stimulant medication used to help ADHD symptoms could exacerbate sleep problems, with some parents reporting young children regularly still awake at midnight.

“ADHD is a very complex disorder, and these children often have difficulty settling down in the evening,” Dr Nikles said.

“This can be complicated by medications used to treat ADHD, including stimulants such as Ritalin and Dexamphetamine.

“We are investigating whether taking melatonin could make a difference for these children, because sleep is so important for healthy body and brain development.”

Researchers are seeking participants aged between six and 17, who have a diagnosis of ADHD, are being treated with stimulant medication and are experiencing sleep difficulties.

Read the full story at www.medicalxpress.com