Open AccessMelatonin Supplementation in Children: A Narrative Review of Indications, Safety, and Potential Long-Term Effects
Author(s) -
Heather Hydzik
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of restorative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2330-2941
pISSN - 2165-7971
DOI - 10.14200/jrm.2020.0103
Subject(s) - melatonin , insomnia , medicine , pediatrics , sleep disorder , psychiatry , narrative review , autism spectrum disorder , wonder , psychology , autism , intensive care medicine , social psychology
Insomnia and sleep disturbance are common in children and adolescents. Parents and medical providers often wonder whether melatonin supplementation is a safe choice in these age groups. Small-scale studies suggest that long-term melatonin supplementation safely and effectively treats sleep onset insomnia in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Documented side effects have been minimal and relatively benign. This paper is a brief review of the clinical indications, side effects, and potential long-term implications of supplementing melatonin in children.