Melatonin warnings: Nearly half of parents give it to their kids to help them sleep, but experts urge caution

As more American parents give their children melatonin to help them fall asleep, some experts are warning of potential risks.

Nearly half (46%) of U.S. parents give melatonin to children under 13, and nearly one-third (30%) of parents give melatonin supplements to teenagers 13 and older. Masu. help him or her fall asleepaccording to a recent study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Giving children melatonin may seem like a natural solution, but the 2022 AASM Health Advisory states that melatonin is not regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should not be used in children. I’m warning you.

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The increase in melatonin use has also led to a sharp rise in reports of melatonin overdoses, calls to poison control centers, and emergency department visits in children, the AASM said.

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Anne Marie Morse Located in Danville, Pennsylvaniawas not surprised to hear that melatonin usage is high among children.

“We know that in pediatrics, there are far more likely prescriptions to help children sleep as opposed to adults,” she said in an interview with FOX News Digital.

“So it’s no wonder that even before a prescription is given, parents are asking, ‘What can I do? What can I get to help my child sleep?'”

The Sleep Academy says melatonin should be avoided in children unless directed by a medical professional.

“Because when the kids aren’t sleeping, the whole house isn’t sleeping and it can be very disruptive,” she added.

Overall, Morse thinks melatonin is relatively safe. But she stressed that people should consult a doctor before undergoing treatment.

“If you’re looking to give your child a supplement, you should first talk to your doctor to see if it’s an appropriate solution to the problem you’re experiencing,” she said. . “Your doctor can also discuss dosage and duration of use.”

As a sleep doctor who sees children and adults, Morse said he uses melatonin “commonly,” especially in teenagers who have delayed sleep phases, meaning their circadian rhythms are much slower than they should be. He said he uses melatonin “a lot” for teenagers.

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“Melatonin is very helpful in changing your circadian rhythm,” she said.

When used for that purpose, Dr. Morse typically recommends a much lower dose (sometimes as low as 0.3 to 0.5 mg) and recommends using it away from bedtime.

If you’re using melatonin solely to help you sleep, higher doses in the 1-10 mg range may be recommended and taken closer to bedtime, she said.

As for how long melatonin is used, Morse said it depends on the patient.

“Research shows that some groups, such as people who: autism spectrum disorderrequires long-term treatment with melatonin,” she said.

One of the biggest concerns, Morse noted, is that melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain and can affect other hormones produced in the body.

“In 2022, there was a 600% increase in poison control calls related to melatonin overdose.”

Animal studies have shown that melatonin affects sex hormones, which could affect the timing of puberty, he warned.

“So we tend to be cautious about long-term use if we don’t need it,” she says.

Mohs’ typical approach is to start the medication, see if it works within three months, then remove the melatonin and assess whether it’s still working.

“The goal is to partner drugs with behavioral strategies that reduce the need for long-term drug use,” she said.

lack of regulation

Another potential concern, Morse noted, is that there is “huge variation” in the amount of melatonin in any given product.

She said a recent study earlier this year found it could contain half to up to four times the amount listed on the bottle.

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“The problem is that it’s not a controlled substance in the U.S., so there’s a lack of predictability,” she says.

To reduce risk, Dr. Morse recommended starting with the lowest dose available.

“That way you know your child won’t overdose because there’s no way to predict how much will be in the bottle.”

An April study by Cambridge Health Alliance found that some melatonin gummies (which may be more appealing to children) contain much more than the amount indicated on the label. It became clear that there was.

“If consumers decide to try melatonin, especially when giving it to children, they should look for products that are certified by either the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or the NSF (formerly the National Health Foundation, now NSF International). Yes, it’s the only way to make sure the product is labeled accurately,” said study author Peter Cohen, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Located in Somerville, Massachusettshe told FOX News Digital at the time.

“It’s hard to say whether the short-term benefits outweigh the possible risks.”

Although melatonin is a natural hormone, Morse acknowledged that taking too much can have negative effects.

“In 2022, there was a 600% increase in calls related to melatonin overdose related to poison regulations,” the doctor said.

“Thankfully, there is no evidence that it can cause… respiratory depression“However, it can cause adverse effects such as oversedation, nausea, and light-headedness the next day,” she said.

One study suggested that taking melatonin in high doses and for long periods of time may increase the risk of seizures, but “that hasn’t been replicated,” Morse said.

Melatonin has a role in improving sleep, but it cannot treat all types of sleep disorders, doctors noted.

“As with any medical disease, it’s important to make sure you’re identifying and treating the right disease,” she says. “surely please consult your doctor See a sleep specialist if necessary to make sure you are receiving proper treatment. ”

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Dr. Laura Purdy, Board Certified Family Medicine Physician in miami floridareiterated that the long-term effects of melatonin on children are unknown because not enough research has been done yet.

“I would be cautious about something that I don’t know about long term,” she told Fox News Digital. “It’s hard to say whether the short-term benefits outweigh the possible risks.”

Potential short-term risks include increased bedwetting, agitation, and mood swings. fatigue and sleepinesscausing stomach pain and nausea, Mr Purdy warned.

“As with any medical disease, it is important to make sure you are identifying and treating the appropriate disease.”

“Long-term risks that are being considered more include concerns about adverse health effects. child growth and development,” she added.

“There are other ways to help your child sleep, so I encourage you to try them first,” she says. “If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.”

The importance of good “sleep hygiene”

The amount of sleep children need depends on their age, Morse says.

“Generally speaking, the younger you are, the more sleep you need,” Morse says. “Sleep patterns and length change over time.”

Newborn babies need about 14 to 17 hours a day, she says, which is fragmented into 24 hours.

Five-year-olds typically need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night.

Adolescents need about 8-10 hours of sleep.

“These are all ranges because one size does not fit all,” Morse said.

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The quality of a child’s wakefulness during the day can also help parents understand how much sleep an individual needs.

“If you notice a decrease in the quality of your awakenings, such as moodiness, irritability, inappropriate sleep onset, or recurrent napping, you may need to see a sleep specialist,” Morse said.

For parents of children who tend to be irritable or anxious, additional activities such as writing a “worry diary” before bedtime can help promote better sleep.

Good sleep hygiene is also important, Morse said, and while it may not be possible to solve existing sleep problems, it can prevent them from developing.

“Sleep hygiene refers to pre-bedtime behaviors that are consistent with sleepiness,” she said.

That might mean having a consistent “relaxation” routine every night that triggers your child’s brain to associate it with sleep.

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“Start with simple things like brushing your teeth, doing your laundry, putting on your pajamas, and then doing a relaxing activity like reading a book, listening to relaxing music, or doing some light stretching. “Yes,” Morse said.

For parents of children who tend to be irritable or anxious, additional activities such as writing a “worry diary” before bedtime can help promote better sleep.

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