Globally, health experts and pediatric researchers are raising new concerns about the safety and use of melatonin supplements in children, especially as use rises without strong long-term evidence supporting its safety or effectiveness — sparking fresh debate in the scientific community in 2026.
Melatonin Use Growing Despite Limited Evidence
Melatonin — a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles — has become a popular over-the-counter sleep aid for children and adolescents in many countries because of its perceived “natural” safety and convenience. However, scientists now emphasize that most research has focused on short-term use or specific clinical groups, such as children with autism or ADHD, rather than typically developing children.
A recent systematic review of pediatric studies found a steady global increase in melatonin prescriptions and use among young children, yet long-term outcomes on behavior, health, and development remain largely unknown. This rise has occurred even though few clinical trials extend beyond a couple of months, and many observational data come from registry or poisoning data — showing increased unintentional ingestions and overdoses among young kids.
What the Science Actually Shows
While some studies show melatonin can help children with neurodevelopmental conditions fall asleep faster and improve certain sleep metrics, experts caution that these findings don’t necessarily apply broadly. For typically developing children, the evidence is sparse, inconsistent, and long-term safety data is lacking — raising critical questions about routine use.
International research also highlights potential concerns about hormonal impacts and unknown effects on immune, metabolic, and reproductive systems — areas for which robust data simply aren’t available for the general pediatric population.
Expert Warnings and Cautionary Notes
Sleep specialists and pediatricians are urging caregivers to approach melatonin use cautiously. Major medical organizations stress that melatonin should not be the first treatment for common sleep issues in children and recommend behavioral strategies first, including consistent bedtime routines, limiting screen time before sleep, and optimizing sleep hygiene.
Doctors also note that melatonin sold as a supplement isn’t regulated as strictly as prescription medications in many countries, meaning dosage can vary widely between products, and labeling may not accurately reflect actual content — a factor that particularly matters for children’s safety.
Calls for More Research and Regulation
Researchers and clinicians alike are calling for more rigorous, long-term clinical studies to clarify the full scope of melatonin’s effects on child health and development, especially for typically developing children who represent the majority of current users.
There’s also an ongoing push to reconsider regulatory approaches to melatonin supplements, particularly in countries where they’re available over the counter, so that doctors can better supervise use and families can rely on evidence-based guidance tailored to age, health status, and type of sleep issue.
What Parents Should Know Now
- Effectiveness is limited: Evidence suggests melatonin can help certain children with sleep problems, especially with underlying conditions, but isn’t proven safe or effective for all kids.
- Short-term data only: Most clinical trials run only weeks to months, and long-term safety remains unclear.
- Behavioral first: Pediatric sleep experts recommend behavioral interventions first before considering supplements.
- Talk to a doctor: Consultation with a pediatrician or sleep specialist is important before giving melatonin to a child.
As global use continues to grow, these developments underscore a key message from experts: more research is urgently needed to understand how melatonin affects children’s long-term sleep health and overall development — and parents should be cautious and informed when considering it.
