Objective: To determine which pediatric populations, if any, benefit from exogenous melatonin supplementation.
Methods: PubMed was utilized for the purposes of this systematic review. The studies selected evaluated melatonin use in pediatric special populations and included randomized controlled trials, crossover studies, and meta-analyses. Each study's objectives, measures of outcomes, and dosing strategies of melatonin were reviewed along with the results and author's conclusions.
Results: Our analysis of the available data offers mixed results and recommendations with regard to the decision of whether to add supplementation of melatonin.
Conclusion: With further regulation of melatonin supplements, it may be plausible to hold larger, multicenter trials and come to a firm recommendation in the future. At this time, we believe that the benefit of exogenous melatonin supplementation outweighs the risks of adverse events and therefore would recommend its use in aiding patients in improving their sleep. Exogenous supplementation with melatonin should be used at the physician's and patient's discretion.
Keywords: melatonin; pediatrics; sleep disorders; supplement.