Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
Evaluating a nurse-led sleep support intervention to reduce melatonin prescribing in children and young people
Janine Reynolds1, Aditi Sivaramakrishnan2, Rosalind Broe2
1Sleep, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, England.
Insights
A nurse-led sleep support clinic effectively reduced melatonin prescriptions for children with sleep disturbances. This non-pharmacological approach offers a sustainable alternative to medication, improving clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Nursing Practice
Background:
- Sleep disturbances affect 40% of children, often stemming from parental management.
- Lack of support services leads to increased melatonin prescribing for pediatric sleep issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a nurse-led sleep support clinic on melatonin prescribing in children and young people.
- To assess the clinical implications of non-pharmacological sleep interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case note evaluation of a nurse-led sleep support service.
- Bespoke program and follow-up support provided to 124 children and young people, including 104 with co-morbidities.
Main Results:
- 63% of patients (78/124) were discharged without melatonin prescriptions.
- A median of two clinic visits and three telephone calls were sufficient for successful outcomes.
- 11 of 12 patients remained off melatonin at 12-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Nurse-led, non-pharmacological sleep support is an effective and sustainable alternative to melatonin for pediatric sleep disturbances.
- Sleep support should be prioritized and reviewed before considering melatonin.
- Investment in pediatric sleep services is crucial to support this approach.
Background:
Sleep disturbance, often arising from the way parents manage their child's sleep, affects 40% of children and leads to increased demand on clinical services. Children and young people with significant sleep issues can be treated effectively with a supportive approach but are often prescribed the hormone melatonin because of a lack of available support services.
Aim:
To understand the effect and clinical implications of a nurse-led sleep support clinic on melatonin prescribing in children and young people.
Method:
A retrospective case note evaluation was undertaken of a nurse-led sleep support service delivering a bespoke programme and follow-up support to a patient group of 124 children and young people, 104 of whom had co-morbidities.
Results:
A total of 78 (63%) patients were successfully discharged without melatonin prescriptions after a median of two face-to-face clinic visits and three telephone calls. Eleven out of 12 patients had not restarted melatonin after 12 months.
Conclusion:
A nurse-led, non-pharmacological approach to sleep support in children and young people can provide an effective, sustainable alternative to melatonin prescribing. The authors recommend that appropriate sleep support should be administered and the response reviewed before melatonin is prescribed. Investment in sleep services to support this approach is important.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:23Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
01:11Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...