Researchers from a major university reported concerns about sleep aids that contain melatonin when given to children. The findings, published in a leading medical journal, raise questions about safety and dosing in younger patients.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the body’s internal clock, guiding sleep and wakefulness in humans and many other living beings. It is produced by the pineal gland, a small gland deep in the brain. People also use medicines that mimic melatonin to address trouble sleeping. These products are designed to help people fall asleep faster and to establish a more regular sleep pattern when insomnia is present.
In a comprehensive look at families across the United States, researchers surveyed nearly one thousand households with children. They found that a notable portion of children received melatonin supplements at various ages. Specifically, about one in five children aged five to nine took melatonin on a regular or intermittent basis, and similar levels were observed among those aged ten to thirteen. There were occasions when younger children, including preschoolers, were given these supplements too. The study also noted that typical doses varied with age, with smaller children generally receiving amounts around a fraction of a milligram and older youngsters sometimes receiving several milligrams.
The study authors cautioned that self admin istration of melatonin by families can pose health risks. The safety profile of melatonin-based products in children has not been definitively established, and products marketed for sleep may occasionally contain more active ingredient than is stated on the label. Some research points to potential effects on biological processes tied to puberty when melatonin is used over time, and high doses can lead to toxic outcomes.
Experts emphasized that melatonin medications address only the symptom of sleeplessness rather than the underlying factors behind a child’s sleep difficulties. When a child struggles to sleep, professional medical evaluation is advised to identify possible causes and appropriate treatment plans. Such assessments can include lifestyle evaluations, sleep environment reviews, and, when needed, medical testing.
In light of these observations, clinicians urge parents to approach melatonin use with caution and to seek guidance from pediatric healthcare providers before starting any supplement. The goal is to ensure that sleep problems are understood in context and managed through evidence-based strategies rather than self directed dosing.
There remains a broader link in medical literature between sleep disorders and long-term brain health, a topic that continues to be explored as new studies emerge. While sleep plays a foundational role in development, researchers stress that addressing sleep issues often requires a comprehensive approach rather than a single remedy. This perspective underscores the importance of medical oversight, especially for younger patients, to support healthy growth and avoid unintended consequences as children mature.