Melatonin warnings: Nearly half of parents give it to their kids to help them sleep, but experts urge caution
Fox News
More parents are giving their kids melatonin to help them fall asleep, according to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — and some experts are warning of potential risks.
Providing melatonin to children might seem like a natural solution — but a 2022 AASM health advisory warns against using it for children because melatonin is not regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "In 2022, there was a 600% increase in poison control calls related to taking too much melatonin." "It’s hard to say whether the short-term benefits outweigh the possible risks." "Just like any medical disorder, it is important to make sure that you're identifying and treating the right one." For parents of children who tend to be more wound-up or anxious, additional activities, like writing in a "worry journal" before bed, can help promote better sleep. Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
The rise in melatonin use has also led to a spike in reports of melatonin overdose, calls to poison control centers and emergency room visits among children, the AASM has stated.