Melatonin

Levels of melatonin rise at night time making you feel sleepy and drop at dawn causing you to wake, which is why it is sometimes called ‘the hormone of darkness’.

The best way of ensuring optimal melatonin production is for your child to sleep in as dark an environment as possible. Use heavy lined curtains and/or blackout blinds to block out external light.

In the run up to bedtime, dim the lights and avoid screen time. Melatonin production is interfered with by screen activities for example watching television or playing on a computer. The light from the screens will stop the melatonin being produced as effectively therefore it is best to avoid these activities in the hour leading up to bedtime.

Melatonin prescriptions

Melatonin can be prescribed and is sometimes used in the management of sleep issues in children.  Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are more at risk of having sleep issues and more commonly prescribed the drug.

Before a prescription is given it is important to try non-pharmacological sleep intervention methods.  This involves assessment of the sleep issues by a practitioner who will then work with a family to develop a programme of intervention.  This may include making changes to the bedtime routine, sleep/wake times and the bedroom environment amongst other things.  If a behavioural sleep intervention programme is not successful the use of melatonin may be discussed.  If a prescription of melatonin is required good sleep hygiene should still be followed as the aim is to stop the drug once a good routine is achieved.

Side effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is usually well tolerated by youngsters, the most common side effects reported are headaches, drowsiness, nausea and dizziness. More rarely it can increase heart rate and may possibly increase seizures in children with epilepsy. If you are concerned about side effects you should raise this with a medical professional. Children’s temperature commonly falls after taking the melatonin, this is a typical reaction.

Melatonin in the UK

Melatonin is available in the UK as a prescription medicine. There are different melatonin preparations, and their licences vary depending on a person’s age and the reason for treatment.

Circadin is a prolonged-release form of melatonin licensed for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia in adults aged 55 and over. Other melatonin medicines are licensed for use in some children and young people.

For example, Slenyto is licensed to treat sleep issues in children and young people aged 2–18 with autism and/or certain neurogenetic conditions, where sleep hygiene measures have not been effective enough. It is also licensed for children and young people aged 6–17 with ADHD.

A doctor or specialist will decide whether melatonin is appropriate for your child, which preparation to use, the dose and when it should be taken. Some preparations are taken around 30–60 minutes before bedtime, but this will depend on the medicine prescribed, so always follow the instructions given by your child’s healthcare professional.

Also, please read our statement regarding Online Melatonin Preparations.