Study of 684 Children Finds Melatonin Tied to Lower REM Sleep, Not Broad Sleep Disruption
Updated
Updated · University of Miami · Aug 6
Study of 684 Children Finds Melatonin Tied to Lower REM Sleep, Not Broad Sleep Disruption
3 articles · Updated · University of Miami · Aug 6
Summary
A matched study of 684 children in a pediatric sleep lab found melatonin users logged 16.7% REM sleep versus 19.0% for nonusers, while showing no significant differences on 14 other objective sleep measures.
That REM gap lost statistical significance after researchers adjusted for factors including psychiatric diagnoses and other sleep medications, supporting the commentary's view that melatonin was not linked to broad sleep-architecture changes.
Dr. Azizi Seixas said the findings are reassuring but not a green light for routine use, noting long-term safety data remain limited and efficacy evidence is strongest in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Nearly 1 in 5 preteens and school-age children used melatonin in the prior month, with use doubling from 2017 to 2020, even as the product is regulated in the U.S. as a dietary supplement.
Seixas urged a precision-medicine approach that tailors dose, timing and duration to a child's specific sleep disorder, while keeping behavioral treatments as the first-line foundation of care.