Melatonin for kids: What parents need to know
What is melatonin? And is it safe for kids? MadeForMums' resident GP tells parents everything they need to know about this sleep medication.
If you’ve ever found yourself searching “How to help my children get to sleep” at 2am, you’re not alone — and chances are, you’ve come across melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in our bodies that helps your body prepare for sleep. It’s also available as a supplement or medication and can help with sleep problems or getting over jet lag.
Some parents consider giving it to their children if they are having problems struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep through the night, but unlike countries such as the USA, it’s currently only available via prescription in the UK.
“All melatonin in the UK is monitored and strictly controlled, because melatonin can interact with other medicines and can lead to side effects,” says Dr Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology.
It’s only safe to give your child melatonin if they have a prescription and you follow the prescription guidelines. Here’s how melatonin works and when it might be right for your child.
What is melatonin?
“Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally, from the pineal gland in the brain. It plays an important role in the body’s circadian rhythms — the waking and sleeping cycle of the body,” Dr. Philippa says.
Levels of melatonin increase as it gets darker, telling your body that it’s time to sleep, and decrease again when the body is exposed to natural light, telling your body to wake up.
Taking a melatonin supplement or medication, made from a synthetic version of the hormone, adds to the amount naturally in your body. This can help some people fall asleep more quickly and be less likely to wake up during the night.
It can come in tablet, capsule, gummy, or liquid form, and usually takes one to two hours to kick in.
It’s mainly prescribed to treat short-term sleep problems (usually for 1-4 weeks, but sometimes up to 13 weeks), but is also used for longer periods in children and adults with long-term sleep problems.
Is melatonin safe for children?
Melatonin is generally considered safe for short term use — but there hasn’t been much research on long-term use or use in children. There’s no set minimum age for taking melatonin, but certain melatonin medications are only licensed for children from the age of two, so check with your doctor before using them with your kids.
“All medications have the potential to interact with other medications or with a health condition that you have,” Dr. Philippa adds, including melatonin.
So, it’s best to follow prescription instructions if giving melatonin to your child.
“Do not give more than is prescribed and if you are concerned that your child may have taken melatonin where they should not have, or too many tablets please seek urgent medical advice,” Dr. Philippa says.
“They may also have side effects. For melatonin, side effects can include sleepiness, joint aches and pains, anxiety and may affect mood.”
Melatonin doses for kids will be less than for adults, so be careful not to give them too much. Melatonin overdoses aren’t dangerous most of the time, according to Harvard Health Publishing, but can lead to excessive sleepiness, headaches, nausea, and agitation.
When is melatonin recommended for kids?
Melatonin may be given to kids if they struggle to get to sleep because of a medical condition or if they have learning or behavioural issues. Or they might be on a medication which might make it harder for them to get to sleep. For example, children with ADHD who take stimulant medications might be prescribed melatonin to help them sleep.
“A melatonin prescription is generally started by a specialist after ensuring that all other measures, such as good sleep hygiene, are being carried out,” Dr. Philippa says.
Harvard Health Publishing says that most children don’t need it to get a good night’s sleep, so parents should try to get sleep routines in place before turning to melatonin.
Doctors may also look for other issues, like restless sleep caused by iron deficiency, or sleep apnoea, before prescribing melatonin for kids.
If your child is prescribed melatonin, “it is recommended to give it to them 30-60 minutes before bedtime, perhaps when starting their bedtime routine so that it works just at the right time,” Dr. Philippa says.
When to talk to a doctor about your child’s sleep
“It is normal for sleep to vary with age — a newborn baby will sleep more than a ten-year-old, and might also wake up more often for feeding,” Dr. Philippa says.
“Insomnia is often short term and can be related to various conditions, for example your child might not sleep well if they have a heavy cold, or if they have anxiety about an upcoming exam,” she adds.
“If your child is not sleeping and it is causing them distress or impacting their ability to function at home or school, please speak to your doctor,” Dr. Philippa says.
Good sleep hygiene is important for children, regardless of melatonin use — Dr. Philippa recommends not having screens in bedrooms, making sure the room is a good temperature and not too light, and having a good bedtime routine.