Use of melatonin in paediatrics

Melatonin, a hormone important in the sleep–wake cycle, has beenused since the early 1990s in the treatment of sleep disorders in young adults and children suffering with neurological or neurode- velopmental disabilities and/or visual impairment.1 The use of Melatonin in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders andimpaired Sleep (MENDS) trial, a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study, is currently under way, investigating theefficacy and safety of melatonin in children.2 However, at present there is no licensed formulation of melatonin available in the UK.The aim of the study was to identify how melatonin is being used in UK hospitals in terms of the dosage, range of formulations and the companies used, as well as issues with its administration. Qualitative data among parents of childrentaking melatonin relating to its use were also sought.