Melatonin is a hormone produced by a small conical structure in the brain. Synthesized and released after the sun sets, melatonin stimulates and regulates sleep. Synthetic melatonin is marketed as a dietary supplement. Commonly used as a sleep aid, melatonin is also used by many consumers for its powerful antioxidant properties. Research summarized at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests that melatonin decreases the amount of time to fall asleep, especially for people who have sleep disorders.
Use
In non-adults, melatonin is used primarily for the treatment of sleep disturbance and chronic insomnia. The use of melatonin in children has generally been restricted to children with psychiatric issues or developmental disabilities such as ADHD, autism, neurological injury or visual disturbances.
Research on Efficacy in Children
Little research has examined the efficacy of melatonin on non-clinical populations of children. Most of the research has focused on children with neurological, psychiatric or developmental disabilities. Research on the effectiveness of melatonin in assisting sleep of children with clinical afflictions, such as published at PubMed and at the National Institutes of Health, suggests it decreases how long it takes to fall asleep, decreases sleep interruptions, increases sleep duration and improves mood and behavior during the daytime.
Side Effects for Children
Most studies fail to find adverse effects for melatonin with children. Doses larger than 8 mg/day have produced some side effects including headaches, sedation during the day, and temporary depression. A study by S.H. Sheldon described at The Psychiatrist found that several children who had seizure disorders experienced worse seizures after taking melatonin.
Contraindications
Children with seizure disorders should not take melatonin. Nor should children with severe allergies, autoimmune diseases or immune system cancers like leukemia or lymphoma take melatonin. Research on the effectiveness and side effects of melatonin on healthy children has not been carried out. Healthy children already produce sufficient melatonin and should not take supplements.
Alternatives
Children with sleep disturbances should be evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out hormonal, psychiatric, metabolic and other medical causes of sleep disturbance. Behavioral and dietary strategies to improve sleep habits should be explored. For example, children should avoid drinks with caffeine starting in mid afternoon; bedtime routines should be established; and television, video games and telephone should be off limits at least an hour or two before bedtime.
Drug Interaction
Melatonin may interfere with the antihypertensive effects of nifedipine. It may interact with blood thinning medications, immunosuppressants and diabetes medications.
Dosing
Melatonin should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Children diagnosed with a sleep disturbance should start with 2.5 to 5 mg. That can be increased up to 7.5 mg. Consult with your child's pediatrician before administering melatonin.
References
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Melatonin for Treatment of Sleep Disorders
- MedPage Today: Melatonin Aids Sleep in Children with Autism and Fragile X
- "Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- PubMed: The Efficacy of Melatonin for Sleep Problems in Children with Autism or Fragile X Syndrome
- USA Today: Kids Tucked in With a Dose of Melatonin
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