Melatonin gummies are a safe sleep aid for kids

What the research found

A 2022 systematic review of 24 trials found melatonin might help children and adolescents with chronic insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep longer. It said more studies are needed to settle safety and effectiveness by age group. A 2016 review found short-term use causes only mild side effects, but long-term safety in children needs more research.

Australia's medicines regulator says melatonin is approved for children only as a prescription medicine. That covers insomnia in 2 to 18 year olds with autism spectrum disorder or Smith-Magenis syndrome. It has not assessed safety or effectiveness for wider use in kids.

Lab testing of imported melatonin products, including gummies, found big gaps between label and contents. One kids' gummy product had 155% to 170% of the labelled dose. Another product had up to 417% of its label, and one had none. The regulator warns of accidental overdose and hospitalisation, especially in children.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean melatonin is dangerous when a doctor prescribes it and a registered product is used. The concern is unsupervised use and unreliable gummies.
• Melatonin may increase seizure frequency, so check with a doctor first if your child has a seizure disorder.
• If your child has trouble sleeping, see a GP or child health nurse. Good sleep habits, such as a regular routine and winding down away from screens, come first.