Effectiveness of melatonin for sleep impairment post paediatric acquired brain injury: evidence from a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To retrieve and review all the relevant literature describing the administration of melatonin to treat impaired sleep in children following acquired brain injury (ABI). METHODS A systematic search and retrieval of the literature was conducted using advanced search techniques. The retrieval identified 589 papers, seven of which were relevant. Review/outcomes criteria were developed and study quality was determined. RESULTS There is paucity of high-quality evidence to support use of melatonin for sleep impairment post paediatric ABI. Variation in dosage, screening and outcome measures, data reporting and a lack of impairment delineation and treatment stratification were recurrent themes. CONCLUSION Retrieved evidence for the effectiveness of melatonin for post paediatric ABI sleep impairment appears promising. There is a clear need for further study in this area to inform clinical and research practices. Recommendations are given.