Melatonin prescription for Acute and Chronic Insomnia in adults (1191)

This guideline describes the processes and agreement in relation to the prescription of melatonin for acute and chronic insomnia for adults within NHSGGC. It aims to ensure that melatonin is appropriately recommended for prescription and monitored within secondary care, with subsequent safe discharge and follow up through primary care.

Note that NHSGGC do not have a designated Sleep Service for adults. This guideline does not support referral from primary to secondary care solely for the purpose of insomnia or melatonin prescription. Rather, it is to allow the safe and appropriate prescription of melatonin by secondary care as part of a wider treatment (for example Sleep Apnoea or as part of the treatment of psychiatric illness.) The only exception to this is Specialist Learning Disability Services, who will sometimes consider referrals for insomnia (due to the high frequency of Sleep Disorders and high potential impact on carers in this population.)