Melatonin use in managing insomnia in typically developing (TD) children: A technical report

Abstract

Although melatonin is widely used globally for the management of insomnia in children and adolescents, there are few clinical guidelines available for healthcare practitioners, particularly in typically developing (TD) children. Because existing data are either sparse or inconclusive, a task force comprised of pediatric sleep researchers and clinicians was established by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) to first examine the available literature and to develop a set of evidence-based (when possible) and consensus-based recommendations to guide practitioners in decision-making regarding melatonin use in pediatric insomnia. A summary of the evidence pertaining to melatonin's use in pediatric clinical settings, and efficacy and safety in TD children is presented below as a companion to an accompanying list of specific recommendations.