Melatonin Use in Children: The Dark Truth

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melatonin use in childrenIt’s safe to say that if a child isn’t sleeping well, there is usually at least one parent who isn’t sleeping well, either. After weeks, months, or even years of sleep deprivation, I understand why some parents may go on the hunt for something “natural” to help their children sleep. Enter over-the-counter melatonin.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The pineal gland is largely dormant during daylight hours. It begins producing melatonin when the sun goes down or darkness arrives. (This is why blackout shades help your little ones sleep). The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) drives melatonin production. It works like a clock to help set sleep and wake cycles. Simply put, the SCN triggers signals to the pineal gland to produce melatonin at sunset, and stops that production at sunrise–or when the retina is exposed to light.

So, now we understand the geeky science behind melatonin production. And clearly, if our little ones are struggling to fall asleep, why wouldn’t we want to help them out a little?

A simple search on Amazon yields several over-the-counter synthetic melatonin targeted toward children from age 2 to 12. One product received more than 900 positive reviews from parents: “I love it because it’s natural and works super fast!” The products themselves use descriptors like: “promotes natural, healthy sleep;” “non-habit forming;” and “drug-free.”

Of course a parent would find these descriptions and reviews tantalizing! I mean, who wouldn’t want a natural, non-habit-forming, drug-free solution that “works super fast” to help our children sleep?

To sum it up, here’s what you need to know about over-the-counter melatonin use for children:

  • It is a hormone. What you purchase in the store is a synthetic version of the hormone. When ingested, it does not act the same way as it would if produced by the body.
  • It is not regulated or controlled by the FDA as a drug. Dosages available to children range from 0.2mg all the way up to 1.0mg. Some say to take up to five pills.
  • It may interact with other medications your child takes.
  • It may affect blood sugar levels.
  • Long-term studies related to the sustained use of melatonin in children prove to be largely inconclusive. Studies in rodents, sheep, and primates show extensive effects on reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic systems.
  • It typically helps a child fall asleep easily, but not stay asleep throughout the night. 
  • Products may claim to be “non-habit forming.” However, it can be difficult to wean a child off of synthetic melatonin. A child’s body may become accustomed to higher levels of the hormone in the body in order to fall asleep.

Yikes. Is it ever safe to use melatonin in children?

Yes. There is evidence that synthetic melatonin can improve sleep for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, chronic sleep onset insomnia, and other specialized medical issues. That being said, always address dosage and usage with a physician.

Given all the data, think twice about whether you really want to give your child melatonin. Look at her schedule, diet, how much technology she’s using before bedtime. Also explore any indications of anxiety or depression. Addressing the root of your child’s sleep problems promotes “natural” and “drug-free” results.

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Hello, I’m Arielle! I am the Founder and Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant at Expect to Sleep Again Sleep Consulting, LLC. After having grown up in the Granite State, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Boston University and settled in MA. I became a self-proclaimed “sleep geek” after the birth of my daughter, and have since made it my mission to help families get the rest they need in order to enjoy a happier, healthier life. I offer a variety of services including online sleep courses for parents, in-person workshops, and individualized 1:1 sleep consultations. I live with my five-year-old daughter and longhaired dachshund in Sterling, MA.