Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain, primarily responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. In recent years, melatonin supplements have become widely used, including in children, to address sleep difficulties. However, the question of whether melatonin use in children could potentially affect their cognitive growth is complex and requires careful consideration of how melatonin interacts with developing brains and the broader implications for cognitive functions.
Children’s brains are in a critical phase of growth and development, characterized by rapid changes in neural connections, synaptic pruning, and the maturation of various brain regions responsible for learning, memory, attention, and executive functions. Sleep itself plays a crucial role in supporting these processes. Adequate and quality sleep helps consolidate memories, supports emotional regulation, and facilitates overall brain plasticity. Because melatonin influences sleep patterns, its use in children could theoretically impact cognitive development both positively and negatively.
On one hand, melatonin may help children who suffer from sleep disorders or circadian rhythm disruptions, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children often experience difficulties falling asleep or maintaining regular sleep schedules, which can exacerbate cognitive and behavioral challenges. By improving sleep onset and duration, melatonin supplementation might indirectly support better cognitive functioning by ensuring the brain gets the restorative sleep it needs. Some clinical guidelines suggest cautious use of melatonin in these populations when behavioral interventions alone are insufficient, emphasizing low starting doses and medical supervision.
On the other hand, melatonin is a hormone that interacts with various physiological systems beyond sleep regulation. Its influence on the developing brain is not fully understood, and there are concerns about potential side effects and long-term impacts. For example, melatonin can affect mitochondrial function and neuronal excitability, which are critical for brain cell health and communication. Experimental studies in neonatal animals have shown that melatonin can modulate pathways involved in mitochondrial autophagy—a process important for cellular maintenance and energy balance in neurons. While these effects might be protective in some injury contexts, the implications for normal brain development remain unclear.
Moreover, melatonin use in children has been associated with some adverse effects such as increased bedwetting, agitation, and daytime drowsiness. These side effects could indirectly affect cognitive performance by disrupting normal routines or causing daytime fatigue. There is also a lack of comprehensive long-term studies tracking cognitive outcomes in children who use melatonin regularly, making it difficult to draw fir
