Research progress on melatonin, 5-HT, and orexin in sleep disorders of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Sleep disorders are among the common comorbidities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which not only affect the daily life and learning ability of children but may also exacerbate other symptoms of ASD, seriously impacting the quality of life of children and their families. Given this, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with ASD has significant research value for developing effective intervention strategies. Melatonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and orexin are key neurotransmitters that regulate the sleep–wake cycle. Through in-depth analysis of the biological functions and regulatory pathways of these neurotransmitters, new perspectives may be provided for personalized treatment of sleep disorders in children with ASD. This article reviews the research progress on melatonin, 5-HT, and orexin in sleep disorders among children with ASD, focusing on exploring the mechanisms of these key neurotransmitters in sleep disorders of children with ASD and how they affect the sleep–wake cycle, providing a theoretical basis for improving the sleep quality of children with ASD.