Let’s talk about it together
At “Learning to Sleep Like Learning to Walk,” we know that melatonin raises a lot of doubts and questions among parents. And that’s normal!
Here are some questions we often hear from parents:
“My child has trouble falling asleep… is it really safe to give them melatonin?”
“I’m afraid they’ll get used to it… could they end up not being able to fall asleep without it?”
“I sometimes read that it can affect hormones… could it harm their growth later on?”
“When I see all the different products on the shelves, I wonder: how can I be sure that the one I’m buying is reliable?”
Thanks to a grant from the Quebec Sleep Research Network, we will attempt to answer your questions based on current scientific knowledge through future articles or tools to be released during 2025-2026. (No individual responses will be provided.)
Considering what we know to date (see below for an overview), we would like to hear your questions.
All your questions and comments are valid and will remain anonymous.
What would you like to understand about melatonin?
What experiences or concerns would you like to share?
A quick look at what we know
Melatonin does much more than regulate sleep
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain, more specifically by the pineal gland. It is often associated solely with sleep because it increases in our bodies at night, but its role goes far beyond that.
- It acts mainly on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls several vital functions.
- It also has effects on various organs and tissues: the liver, pancreas, endocrine glands, adipose tissue, muscles, heart, blood vessels, and even the immune system.
Melatonin does not only help you fall asleep; its effects are much broader.
A look at the situation in Canada
In Canada, melatonin is easy to find in pharmacies because it is considered a dietary supplement (and not a sleeping pill). This is not the case everywhere, and in several countries (the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, Australia), it is only available with a prescription.
Here is what we know:
- The quality of products varies greatly: some analyses have shown inaccurate doses and even the presence of unlisted substances such as serotonin.
- Medical consultations and cases of melatonin poisoning are on the rise.
- No products are currently approved for children and adolescents under 18 in Canada.
Be sure to always keep melatonin out of the reach of children.
What science says
There are still very few studies on the effects of short-term melatonin use and even fewer on long-term use in typically developing children. A few studies exist on its use under medical supervision in children with neuroatypical development (ADHD, ASD).
Before using melatonin, it is best to talk to a healthcare professional. Only healthcare specialists are qualified to provide medical advice.
Texts to learn more as a parent:
- Naitre et Grandir. (2023) Mélatonine: la solution aux problèmes de sommeil des enfants?
- Naître et grandir. (2024). Problème de sommeil: donner ou non de la mélatonine à un enfant?
