All About Melatonin
This resource is for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia patients to learn more about melatonin.
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that our brains make at nighttime. It helps our brains get ready to fall asleep at night and keeps our body clock on time. Babies’ brains do not make melatonin in a regular pattern until they are about 3-4 months old.
Using electronics like cell phones, tablets, computers, or watching TV at night makes it harder for our brains to make melatonin. Electronics give off a blue light. Blue light limits the melatonin our brains make.
What is melatonin used for?
Some healthcare providers recommend melatonin to help people who have trouble falling asleep or to help with jet lag. Melatonin is most often recommended for adults.
Melatonin is not a sleeping pill even though it can help some people with sleep problems.
Is melatonin safe for my child? Can it help them sleep better?
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Melatonin is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement (vitamin). This means that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not check how melatonin is made or sold.
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Studies show that sometimes the dose of melatonin listed on the bottle does not match the actual dose in each pill, gummy, liquid, or tablet.
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There are no studies of whether melatonin is safe for all children.
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Studies have found that melatonin can help with sleep and is safe for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
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We do not know if melatonin is helpful or safe for other children.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking to your child’s healthcare provider before trying melatonin to help with your child’s sleep.
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Melatonin is not recommended for children who are 3 years old or younger.
What else can I do to help my child sleep better?
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about ways to help your child sleep better. Ask about additional helpful handouts with healthy sleep tips for young children, school-aged kids, and teens.
Ask your healthcare provider if your child needs to see a sleep specialist. CHOP has a Sleep Center that helps children with sleep problems (215-590-3749)
How can I learn more about melatonin use for children?
American Academy of Pediatrics
The Pediatric Sleep Council (evidence-based information for young children ages 0-3 years)
Contact your CHOP healthcare provider with questions or concerns.
Reviewed in 2023, by Ariel A. Williamson, PhD