Is Melatonin Safe for Kids

Melatonin has long been marketed as a safe, natural way to help children fall asleep. But as more families rely on it, questions are growing about whether routine use could cause unintended harm.

Synthetic melatonin—often sold as drops or gummies for children—promises an easier bedtime. In one poll by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, nearly 46% of parents said they’ve given melatonin to a child under 13 to help with sleep.

Recently, some parents have become uneasy after a study suggested a link between long-term melatonin use and heart failure. Another study raised concerns about product consistency, finding a “wide range” in how much melatonin different supplements actually contain. Because melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a regulated medication, the FDA does not oversee its dosing the same way it does prescription drugs. As a result, actual melatonin levels may vary widely from what labels claim, says Dr. David Fagan, vice chair for pediatric ambulatory administration at Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health.

Fagan explains that melatonin may be appropriate for some children, but only with guidance from a pediatrician. Here’s what parents should know.

Is melatonin recommended for children?

According to Fagan, melatonin should not be the first option for most kids who are struggling to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend melatonin as a first-line sleep aid. Instead, doctors typically suggest behavioral sleep strategies first, such as:

• keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time
• limiting screens and stimulating activities before bed
• creating a sleep-friendly environment (quiet, dark, and calm)

For some children—especially those with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or autism—short-term melatonin use may be helpful and appears to be safe when monitored by a doctor. Many kids with ADHD take stimulant medications, and melatonin can sometimes help regulate sleep cycles. Even in those cases, major pediatric and sleep organizations still do not recommend it as the first solution.

If a pediatrician approves it, what does safe use look like?

Fagan says the goal is always the smallest effective dose. Doctors typically start at about 1 milligram. He also notes that melatonin should never be given to children under 2 years old.

He cautions against using melatonin every night. Families should talk with their pediatrician about timing, dosing, and how to build in breaks from the supplement.

What side effects should parents watch for?

Children can take too much melatonin, and side effects are possible. Fagan says parents should look out for:

• morning grogginess or lingering sleepiness
• headaches
• mood changes or irritability
• unusually vivid dreams or nightmares

Children with seizure disorders need extra caution. Melatonin may interact with anti-epileptic medications and could increase seizure risk. It may also raise blood pressure in some cases, which is another reason a pediatrician should review a child’s health history and medications before melatonin is used.

Is magnesium a safe alternative?

Magnesium is often suggested online as a natural sleep option, but Fagan says evidence for its benefit in healthy children is limited and weak. While magnesium may help relaxation in general, there isn’t strong clinical proof that it improves sleep for kids without underlying deficiencies.

What’s the biggest misconception about melatonin?

Fagan says the most common misunderstanding is thinking melatonin is a “cure-all” for sleep issues.

His advice: start with behavioral strategies and solid sleep routines. If a child is still struggling after those changes, then melatonin can be discussed as a possible short-term tool—under medical supervision.