{"id":16037,"date":"2022-06-24T15:00:14","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T20:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=16037"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:54:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T21:54:52","slug":"melatonin-for-kids-how-to-safely-get-your-child-to-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/melatonin-for-kids-how-to-safely-get-your-child-to-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Melatonin for kids: How to safely get your child to sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every parent knows what it\u2019s like to have a sleepless night because their child just won\u2019t sleep. Sometimes, kids just have a hard time falling asleep.<\/p>\n

That leads many parents to seek solutions to help their child fall asleep. One increasingly popular thing to do is give kids a sleep aid.<\/p>\n

There are several options, but parents often choose melatonin supplements. That\u2019s because melatonin is a natural part of our bodies. Melatonin is a hormone released by our brains<\/a> when it\u2019s time to sleep.<\/p>\n

The appeal of melatonin is that it\u2019s a natural supplement, but is it safe to give kids<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Is melatonin safe for kids?<\/h2>\n

\u201cSleep is an important issue. There are many things that we can do behaviorally and environmentally to address underlying sleep issues,\u201d said Sarah Zallek, MD, medical director for the sleep center<\/a> at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Want to know more?<\/p>\n

Message your child\u2019s pediatrician through OSF MyChart.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Melatonin and other sleep aids aren\u2019t Dr. Zallek\u2019s first recommendations to parents whose kids have trouble falling asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks safe. Most of the time, kids are fine if they take melatonin. But, we don\u2019t know the long-term consequences. So, I don\u2019t recommend it,\u201d said Dr. Zallek, \u201cThat being said, there are situations where melatonin has proven to be very helpful, particularly for children on the autism spectrum.\u201d<\/p>\n

You should always talk to your child\u2019s pediatrician before giving your child any kind of medicine. Children under age 3 should only receive melatonin if it\u2019s been OK\u2019d by the pediatrician.<\/p>\n

Melatonin dosage for kids<\/h2>\n

If your child\u2019s pediatrician has given you the go ahead to occasionally supplement your child\u2019s sleep with melatonin, be sure to follow all directions. Melatonin supplements come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid and gummies.<\/p>\n

Knowing the right melatonin dosage for your child is key to using sleep aids effectively. Melatonin should be taken 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime.<\/p>\n

Ask your child\u2019s pediatrician about the right dose for a child under age 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Child\u2019s weight (3 or older)<\/strong><\/td>\nMaximum melatonin dosage<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Less than 88 pounds<\/td>\n0.5-3 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
More than 88 pounds<\/td>\n1-5 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Many children will respond to a low dosage<\/a>, so start with the lowest dosage first.<\/p>\n

It is very important not to give your child more than the recommended dosage for their age and weight.<\/p>\n

Melatonin overdose<\/h2>\n

Because melatonin comes in the attractive-to-kids form of gummies, it is highly important to keep these out of reach of children at all times.<\/p>\n

\u201cKids are curious creatures. Any medication in the wrong dose is potentially dangerous, so parents should be extremely careful to keep melatonin out of reach of kids at all times. Even if it appears safe because it\u2019s over-the-counter, kids can and do overdose on melatonin,\u201d said Dr. Zallek.<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, melatonin overdoses in children have increased 530%<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Though melatonin overdoses are not considered life-threatening<\/a>, always call your child\u2019s pediatrician if they\u2019ve overdosed on melatonin. However, if you notice your child is lethargic, unresponsive, dizzy or has an increased heart rate, call Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222.<\/p>\n

Melatonin side effects<\/h2>\n

Melatonin comes with some side effects:<\/p>\n