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Melatonin use in the pediatric population: an evolving global concern

Judith Owens1

  • 1Boston Children's Hospital, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA. Judith.owens@childrens.harvard.edu.

World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP
|April 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin use in children is increasing, but evidence for its efficacy and safety, especially in typically developing youth, is limited. Caution and medical supervision are advised due to product variability and potential risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Sleep medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders

Background:

  • Limited research exists on melatonin's impact in pediatric populations.
  • Pediatric melatonin use has risen significantly worldwide over recent decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on melatonin efficacy and safety in children.
  • To guide pediatric practitioners in making evidence-based recommendations for melatonin use.

Main Methods:

  • A literature review was performed using PubMed.
  • Search terms included melatonin, pediatrics, and child/adolescent.

Main Results:

  • Studies, mainly in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and insomnia, suggest melatonin is generally safe.
  • Evidence for typically developing children is lacking; long-term adverse event data and product content variability are concerns.
  • Accidental ingestions pose safety risks.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin use in children requires caution due to concerns about inappropriate use, efficacy, safety data gaps, and product variability.
  • Medical supervision is recommended for pediatric melatonin use.
Abstract

Keywords:
InsomniaMelatoninPediatric sleep

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