What is the role of melatonin in the management of sleep disorders in children?
N Buscemi, M Witmans PART A: There is evidence to suggest that melatonin may be effective in the management of some sleep disorders in children, and that it is not harmful to the child. Although these results are based on higher-level evidence (randomized controlled trials), they are supported by a fewer number of studies with very small sample sizes. Moreover, the clinical significance of the reported effects is unclear. There is insufficient evidence to conclude on the efficacy and safety of melatonin in children with sleep disorders, and thus, additional large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed in this area. PART B: Sleep problems are common in children, and pharmacotherapy for children with sleep disorders is increasing (11). Over-the-counter and prescription medications for sleep disorders in children have not been systematically studied as they have been in adults. The available data are based on small sample sizes and provide no substantive, empirical proof of efficac
