Melatonin Dosage for Kids

Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?

At this time, there has not been enough research conducted Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source to fully understand the overall safety of melatonin for children or adolescents. 

Guidelines for melatonin usage in children focus on its use for diagnosed sleep disorders and in children with certain medical conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Currently, there is limited data on melatonin use in children without these conditions Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Experts suggest working closely with a child’s pediatrician when deciding whether to give melatonin to a child or adolescent. In particular, medical professionals emphasize that melatonin should not be used as a way to pressure or force a child to sleep, but should only be given to children with a confirmed medical need under the guidance of a doctor.

How Much Melatonin Should I Give My Child?

Before giving your child melatonin, consult with their doctor to determine the dosage. Dosage recommendations for melatonin can vary depending on the type of sleep problem and the child’s age.

Doctors may prescribe melatonin for sleep-onset insomnia, which makes it difficult to fall asleep Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . For this diagnosis, doctors often use the following dosage levels:

• Preschoolers (5 years): 1 to 2 milligrams
• School-age (6 to 12 years): 1 to 3 milligrams
• Adolescents (13 to 18 years): 1 to 5 milligrams

In all cases, however, experts recommend always starting with the lowest dose of melatonin available, then increasing the amount only if necessary. Parents and caregivers should avoid cutting or splitting supplements to reduce the dosage, as this can result in inconsistent dosing. 

Poison control centers have also noted increased reports of melatonin ingestion in children, with adverse effects Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Parents and caregivers should take additional safety measures to keep melatonin out of reach of children in order to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. 

Side Effects of Melatonin in Children

When starting any new vitamin, supplement, or medication, it is important to discuss it with a doctor and weigh the risks beforehand. Although more studies need to evaluate risks of taking melatonin long-term, reported side effects in children and adolescents include:

• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Headache
• Increased bedwetting
• Mood swings

Because melatonin is a hormone, some health professionals have suggested that taking it as a supplement could interfere with a child’s development. 

Melatonin may also interact and interfere with other herbs, supplements, and certain medications. A child’s doctor should be aware of any supplements or medications the child is currently taking before they start melatonin.

What to Consider Before Giving Your Child Melatonin

Before giving a child any sleep aid, it is important to discuss this decision thoroughly with a pediatrician. Childhood sleep problems do not always require treatment with drugs or supplements. Many times, changing bedtime behavior alone is enough. The child’s doctor can discuss whether melatonin is appropriate for the situation as well as the supplement’s risks, benefits, and dosage.

As a dietary supplement, melatonin is not regulated or approved Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the actual concentration of melatonin contained in different products and formulations varies greatly Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . The true amount can even be different from the amount listed on the product’s label. Some experts suggest using pharmaceutical-grade products, which may be more reliable.   

Furthermore, what may work for an adult as a sleep aid may not be helpful for a child Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . One reason for this is that children metabolize medicines and supplements differently than adults.

Many different melatonin products are available to purchase. If a child’s doctor approves the use of melatonin, it may be helpful to ask about specific products, as well as the dosage and duration of treatment.

Alternatives to Melatonin for Kids

Aside from melatonin, doctors may recommend other drugs or supplements to help a child with sleep-related issues. Some of these require a prescription. Others can be purchased over the counter, but should still only be used under the guidance of a doctor.

• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms can also cause drowsiness Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source . Though antihistamines are available without a prescription, they have serious risks and should be used under the guidance of a pediatrician.
• Valerian: Valerian Trusted Source National Institutes of Health (NIH) The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. View Source is a plant that is marketed as a sleep aid and dietary supplement. The evidence is mixed regarding valerian’s effectiveness at treating insomnia, but studies report few negative side effects. Children under 3 years old should not take valerian.
• Prescription drugs: In some cases, doctors may prescribe drugs that are usually used to treat sleep problems in adults.

Note that experts caution against taking melatonin in combination with other sleep aids. They can have an additive effect in the body, causing an excess of sleepiness or sedation, and may interact in other ways that could be dangerous.

Anyone considering giving a child or adolescent any product to help them sleep should start by talking with the child’s pediatrician for guidance. Every situation is unique, and what works for one child may not be helpful for another.

Sleep Tips for Kids

Problems at bedtime are relatively common Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source in children and typically respond well to behavioral strategies. Before starting melatonin, it may be helpful to try new routines and other behavioral changes to combat sleep issues. There are a variety of sleep strategies to consider that may help a child get better sleep.

• Follow a bedtime routine: Routines help children improve their sleep. Components of a nightly routine might include taking a warm bath, changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, turning off bright lights, and reading a bedtime story.
• Set consistent bedtimes: Keep children’s bedtimes the same every day, even on weekends. This consistency reinforces the child’s sleep schedule.
• Keep screens out of the bedroom: Electronic devices that emit blue light Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source can delay the release of natural melatonin in the body. Using smartphones, computers, TVs, and gaming devices just before sleep can signal the brain to remain alert and awake. It is recommended to avoid screens for at least two hours before bedtime.
• Provide opportunities for exercise: Daily physical activity Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source improves the chances kids will be tired by bedtime. When kids and teens do not get their bodies moving during the day, they may not feel sleepy at bedtime.
• Be careful with food and drink: Eating a large meal before bedtime or drinking beverages with caffeine can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.
• Create a space conducive to sleep: Be sure your child’s bedroom is free from light and noise, and keep the thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable.