Melatonin use in children has not been studied thoroughly; however, the hormone melatonin is considered safe in low doses for short-term treatment of sleep disorders. A wide range of doses have been studied for a variety of medication conditions. While there is no specific dose that is appropriate for all children, the recommendations may vary based on age and impairment.
Melatonin and Children
Melatonin is a hormone made naturally by the body and helps regulate our sleep and wake cycles. In general, children have high levels of nighttime melatonin; however, these levels may be disrupted by certain factors such as medical conditions or changes in the bedtime routine. Melatonin supplements are made synthetically and may allow some children both to fall asleep faster and to stay asleep for a longer duration of time.
Melatonin Safety
Studies reviewed by Laurie Shamseer and Sunita Vohra, MD, in a 2009 study on the use of melatonin in children revealed that for kids with sleep disorders, doses of up to 7.5 mg are safe. Provided you have clearance from your child's pediatrician, melatonin use for a period of up to four weeks is generally considered safe: few studies have measured its safety in children beyond this time frame. Per Shamseer and Dr. Vohra, this does not include children with contraindications for melatonin use. Children who have diabetes, liver disorders, seizure disorders and depression should not use melatonin. In addition, melatonin can interact with some medications, especially sedatives and immunosuppressive medications.
Dose for Primary Sleep Disorders
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends children with primary sleep disorders take a maximum of 0.3 mg of melatonin daily if they are under 15 years of age. However, provided kids do not fall into any of the contraindicated categories, Shamseer and Dr. Vohra report that most studies have started with a 0.5 mg dose of melatonin in children as young as 9 months of age. More studies are needed before a more consistent baseline dose for children with insomnia can be determined. Per Medline Plus, a typical dose of melatonin for primary sleep disorders ranges between 0.3 and 5 mg. Ask your child's pediatrician for specific dosage guidelines.
Dose for Secondary Sleep Disorders
Kids with secondary sleep disorders caused by other impairments may need a higher dose of melatonin to achieve restful sleep. While a few studies have started with doses in the 0.5 to 0.75 mg range, many reviewed by Shamseer and Dr. Vohra recommended the use of melatonin doses starting somewhere between 2 and 3 mg. These studies were performed on kids who had a variety of medical disorders that caused some degree of sleep disturbance. Typical diagnoses included ADHD, developmental disabilities and assorted neurological conditions. The doses for the related secondary sleep disorders topped out at 7.5 mg. Because the guidelines have a 7 mg variance, check with your child's pediatrician for more specific recommendations.
Member Comments