Myths and evidence regarding melatonin supplementation for occasional sleeplessness in the pediatric population

DOI

10.3928/19382359-20210823-01

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Publication Title

Pediatric Annals

Volume

50

Issue

9

First Page

e391

Last Page

e395

ISSN

904481

Abstract

Occasional sleeplessness in children is common, with as many as 25% of all healthy children experiencing a problem sleeping at some point over the course of their child-hood. Occasional sleeplessness is poorly understood, has a significant impact on quality of life in children and their families, and is often challenging to manage. There is substan-tial evidence supporting the safe and effective use of the widely available dietary supplement melatonin for children with chronic conditions. This article summarizes the views expressed in a recent Consensus Panel meeting convened to evaluate the use of mela-tonin in children, as well as the published scientific literature related to the effectiveness and safety of melatonin, with a focus on occasional sleeplessness in healthy children. We provide an evidence-based framework for the implementation of a standard process to effectively manage occasional sleeplessness in children and adolescents. Unsubstanti-ated concerns in the past may have limited melatonin’s use in children with conditions for which the supplement may support a better sleep pattern and, by doing so, may help to improve quality of life. Melatonin dietary supplements using high quality standards may be provided to children together with cognitive-behavioral therapy after proper sleep evaluation and after improved sleep hygiene, family education, and sleep diary ac-tivities have failed to resolve sleep difficulties.

Open Access

Hybrid_Gold

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS