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An online survey among general pediatricians on melatonin use in children with chronic insomnia

Oliviero Bruni1, Maria Breda2, Emanuela Malorgio3

  • 1Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|November 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Pediatricians widely use melatonin (MLT) for healthy children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Melatonin (MLT) is frequently used by pediatricians for sleep issues.
  • Evidence on MLT use in healthy children is limited.
  • This study examines MLT prescription patterns in Italian pediatricians for healthy children with chronic insomnia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the current practices of Italian pediatricians regarding melatonin use in healthy children with chronic insomnia.
  • To gather data on age ranges, dosages, administration timing, treatment duration, and associated therapies.
  • To assess perceived efficacy and side effects of melatonin in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Italian pediatricians from June to November 2022.
  • Data collected included MLT dosage, administration, duration, co-treatments, efficacy, and side effects.
  • Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, compared responses based on sleep medicine training.

Main Results:

  • 97.4% of 428 surveyed pediatricians reported using MLT.
  • MLT was commonly prescribed for ages 1-2 years (87.3%), 2-5 years (62.1%), and 10-18 years (42.5%).
  • Most prescribed 1 mg/day, 30 minutes before bed, for 1-3 months, often with sleep hygiene. Efficacy was high, with few mild side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin is extensively prescribed by Italian pediatricians for healthy children's insomnia.
  • Significant variation exists in MLT usage protocols.
  • There is a clear need for evidence-based guidelines to standardize MLT use in healthy pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chronic insomniaGeneral pediatriciansHealthy childrenMelatonin

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