Rising Alarm: The Growing Trend of Melatonin Use in Youngsters
As the quest for a peaceful night’s sleep becomes more challenging for children, an increasing number of parents are turning to melatonin. This trend has raised concerns among pediatricians about the long-term safety and regulation of this widely-used supplement.
Surprising Survey Results
Lauren Hartstein, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado, Boulder, noticed a significant rise in melatonin usage among children. Her team’s survey of nearly 1,000 children across the United States revealed startling figures: approximately 6% of preschoolers and 18-19% of school-age children and pre-teens were regularly taking melatonin. The majority of these children had been on the supplement for more than a year, with a quarter of them taking it nightly.
Expert Concerns
Dr. Cora Collette Breuner, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, voiced her alarm over the widespread use of melatonin in children. She emphasized the hormone’s unregulated nature and the potential unknowns regarding its long-term effects on children’s development, particularly on puberty and glucose metabolism.
The Risks of Unregulated Supplements
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain to regulate sleep-wake cycles, is sold as a dietary supplement. Its lack of rigorous regulation, compared to prescription medications, adds to the risk. Studies have found some melatonin supplements to contain higher levels than advertised, and in some cases, products aimed at children were found to contain CBD.
Emphasizing Sleep Hygiene
Both Hartstein and Breuner stress the importance of sleep hygiene practices over the use of melatonin. These include reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and using sleep aids like blackout shades and noise-canceling machines.
Guidance for Parents
Dr. Breuner and other pediatricians urge parents to consult healthcare professionals before resorting to melatonin. Signs of overdose can include irritability, headaches, stomach pains, and extreme drowsiness. For children with autism spectrum disorder, melatonin use should be discussed with a doctor.
Recommendations for Safe Use
If melatonin is considered necessary, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises it be used only as a short-term solution. Parents are encouraged to choose supplements with a USP label, indicating third-party testing for purity and accurate dosage.
Seeking a Safe Slumber: Navigating the Complexities of Melatonin for Child Sleep Health
The rise in melatonin use among children for sleep issues is a growing concern, highlighting the need for awareness and caution among parents and healthcare providers.
