Is Melatonin Safe for Toddlers?

I've never been the type of mother who would sedate a child for my own convenience. But, ever since my daughter was born, she has awakened several times per night, asking to be nursed and cuddled. Her pediatrician could not find anything physically wrong, and attributed my toddler's night-time awakenings to an active mind and an energetic personality.

After two and a half years of restless nights, with no technique seeming to help my toddler sleep, the bottle of baby Benadryl began to look sinfully tempting. However, I knew that it would be ethical and dangerous do this, so I instead tried to look at naturopathic remedies that can facilitate restful sleep—and, across the board, I heard people recommending melatonin.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is one of the most commonly sold naturopathic treatments for insomnia. Marketed as a nutritional supplement, melatonin supplements are made using pure melatonin-- the same hormone produced by the brain to regulate circadian rhythm. In the body, melatonin tells our brains when it is night time and therefore time to sleep. Some people, including the elderly and people with autism-spectrum disorders, tend to have lower levels of melatonin. Because it is produced naturally in the body and not a true sedative, melatonin may seem like an appealing alternative to stronger drugs.

Uses for Toddlers

The National Institutes of Health and my toddler's pediatrician both advise against giving melatonin to most healthy toddlers. Melatonin is safe and effective as a treatment for insomnia in children with mental retardation, autism and other neurobehavioral disorders, but it has not been studied as a treatment for "regular" toddler insomnia. Because my toddler has not been diagnosed with a neurobehavioral condition, I chose not to give her melatonin-- or any other sleep aid. However, the parents of special-needs children can give melatonin to their toddlers, under a physician's guidance, if special circumstances make it appropriate.

Dosing Guidelines

Always consult your health care provider before giving your toddler melatonin. If your child's pediatrician that you give melatonin to your toddler, he or she may recommend any of several doses to treat his insomnia. The NIH states that 5 milligrams of melatonin per day can effectively and safely treat insomnia in toddlers with developmental disabilities. However, other organizations recommend a much lower dose, no greater than 0.3 milligrams, for all children under age 15.

Possible Risks

Predictably, the most common side effect associated with melatonin is mild sleepiness. Other common problems include mood changes, headaches and stomach. High doses, exceeding 5 milligrams, can trigger seizures, and even low doses have cause seizures in children with epilepsy. Additionally, melatonin can theoretically influence the production of reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, in toddlers' bodies. For that reason, it’s best to give a toddler melatonin supplements only under the supervision of a qualified medical expert. Get in touch with your child’s pediatrician before giving your toddler any supplements to help him sleep.