0817 Influencing Factors in the Decision-Making Process of U.S. Parents Regarding the Use of Melatonin for Children

Abstract Introduction Parents are increasingly turning to exogenous melatonin to help children sleep, despite a lack of experimental research examining its efficacy and the safety of long-term use. In the U.S., melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement and no prescription is needed to obtain it. Given recent surges in pediatric consumption, current data on the factors contributing to parents’ decisions to administer melatonin to their children are vital in order to understand perceptions and concerns surrounding its use. Methods Parents of 1039 U.S. children ages 1.0-13.9 years completed an online questionnaire on children’s development, sleep health, and melatonin use. Data on 212 children who either took melatonin in the past 30 days (N = 131) or at some point previously (N = 81) were included in the present analysis. Open-ended questions on why parents administered melatonin and why they stopped (if applicable) were categorized through thematic coding. Results Although nearly half of children who recently took melatonin had bedtime resistance (51.1%) or difficulty falling asleep (46.2%), 24.4% had no reported behavioral sleep problems. Parents’ most common reasons for giving melatonin were to help children fall asleep (49.3%) or wind down before bedtime (22.7%). Parents also reported administering it to adjust for changes to regular sleep routines (17.5%) or to shift circadian rhythms (11.4%). Parents frequently reported initiating melatonin on their own (50.0%), with less than half following the recommendation of a healthcare provider (48.1%). Parents often stopped giving melatonin when they felt their child didn’t need it anymore (32.0%). Fewer parents discontinued use due to negative side effects (9.3%) or concerns about health and safety (13.3%). Conclusion Parents reported giving their child melatonin for a variety of reasons related to sleep and circadian timing. Melatonin use was frequently initiated without the recommendation of a medical professional, which raises concerns about misinformation given the gaps in scientific research and variable quality of over-the-counter supplements. Greater research and wider dissemination of guidelines are needed to support parents in making informed decisions regarding their child’s melatonin use. Support (if any) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health R01-HD087707)