Feasibility and acceptability of self-directed, remote dim-light melatonin onset collection in pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sleep dysregulation is highly prevalent in pediatric chronic pain conditions and associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Interactions between underlying circadian misalignments and pain in pediatric populations remain unclear. Dim-light melatonin onset collections conducted in external lab settings are standard for measuring circadian rhythmicity by examining fluctuations in melatonin levels. However, present limitations prevent us from capturing a typical night's sleep and minimize accessibility to broader populations due to geographic, financial, and temporal barriers. We investigated a novel approach in which participants complete collections in an entirely self-directed manner using an at-home diagnostic kit.

Methods

Participants included pediatric patient

SUBMITTER: Tacugue N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12435390 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature