Even though its safety and effectiveness have not been fully established in children, melatonin capsules are sometimes used as sleep aids. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently approve melatonin for use in children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not currently recommend melatonin.
There is some evidence that melatonin may be effective in helping children with certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome. More research is needed, however, in order to determine how melatonin affects children long-term, and what dosage works best for different age groups.