Why Parents Are Turning to Black-Market Melatonin – And What That Really Tells Us

I recently shared my thoughts in The Guardian about the growing number of parents resorting to buying melatonin gummies through unofficial channels. If you missed it, the article is here: Parents turn to black-market melatonin for their children.

This isn’t about bad parenting. It’s about desperation.

So many families, especially those with neurodivergent children, are left with little support and long NHS wait times. When you’re running on empty and your child hasn’t slept properly in months, of course you’ll search for something that might help.

But melatonin isn’t a magic fix. It’s meant to be used alongside a structured sleep plan, not instead of one. It can help with timing, but it's unlikely to solve the root causes of sleep difficulties. And when it's bought online or passed on unofficially, there’s no control over dosage, ingredients, or safety.

What families really need is earlier access to behavioural sleep support, something that works and feels manageable while they wait for a diagnosis or prescription. We also need more open conversations about the real struggles families face behind closed doors.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about making sure no parent has to feel this desperate just to help their child sleep.