Melatonin use in typically developing (TD) children: International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) Expert Consensus Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

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 then develop a set of evidence-based (when possible) and consensus-based recommendations to guide practitioners in decision-making regarding melatonin use in pediatric insomnia. The following recommendations regarding appropriate indications for melatonin in children, considerations regarding timing and dosage, safety issues and caveats in recommending use of melatonin in pediatric clinical settings, are presented as a companion to a Technical Report summarizing the available literature.