Melatonin for Kids: A Growing Trend Sparks Debate Among Parents
While many families are turning to melatonin to help their children get a good night’s sleep, other parents are wary. The sleep aid, once considered a niche solution, has become increasingly common in recent years, shaping a heated debate
between parents who favor its effectiveness and those who raise concerns about its safety and regulation.
Parents like Nicole Browne know firsthand the struggles of finding the right routine for their children. With
three young children, Browne admits “that’s not real life”
when considering crawling into bed separately. “Warm bath, pajamas, magnesium massage cream, and read
a story”—a luxurious bedtime ritual seemingly out of reach for many overworked parents like Browne, who stated, “That’s not real life.”
Melatonin, a natural hormone, has proven beneficial for some. Browne, who has never experienced negative side effects, simply states, “I think once in a while when you need it, it’s there. I’ve never had a bad experience. It puts them right to
sleep, and they sleep through the night.”
However, the lack of regulation surrounding melatonin is concerning for some. Unlike FDA-regulated medications or even over-the-counter drugs, melatonin, categorized as a dietary supplement,
doesn’t undergo the same rigorous testing or
regulation.
Dr. Hila Beckerman, a mother of four herself, acknowledges dire circumstances might necessitate melatonin.
She explains,
“If you’re going to give your kids melatonin for the short term—say you got back from a flight and your kids are jet lagged there’s no problem with that. If you want to do a couple nights of melatonin, I don’t have an issue with that,” she explained.
However, concerns go beyond limited
regulation.The CDC recently highlighted a worrisome trend; approximately 11,000 children ended up in emergency rooms after ingesting melatonin. Many cases involved flavored gummies appealing to children
What are the concerns about long-term melatonin use in children?
## Melatonin for Kids: A Growing Trend Sparks Debate Among Parents
**News Anchor:** Welcome back. Tonight, we’re taking a closer look at a growing trend among parents: using melatonin to help their children sleep.
Joining us tonight is Dr. Emily Carter, a child sleep specialist, to discuss the pros and cons of this increasingly popular sleep aid. Dr. Carter, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s my pleasure.
**News Anchor:** Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is melatonin and how is it used to aid sleep?
**Dr. Carter:** Melatonin is a natural hormone our bodies produce that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It’s often called the “sleep hormone.” Melatonin supplements mimic the naturally occurring hormone and can help adults and children fall asleep faster and possibly get a better night’s rest.
**News Anchor:** It seems like melatonin is becoming more and more common for kids. Why do you think this is happening?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. A recent article from Verywell Health highlights this trend [1](https://www.verywellhealth.com/melatonin-for-kids-parent-safety-information-7107123). Many factors contribute, including busy schedules, screen time before bed, and the rising prevalence of childhood sleep problems. Faced with exhausted kids and their own sleep deprivation, parents are looking for solutions, and melatonin is often seen as a relatively harmless, natural option.
**News Anchor:** But there are concerns from some parents about using melatonin for children. What are some of those concerns?
**Dr. Carter:** You’re right. There are valid concerns. While generally considered safe for short-term use, long-term effects of melatonin on children are still not fully understood [1](https://www.verywellhealth.com/melatonin-for-kids-parent-safety-information-7107123). Additionally, melatonin can interact with certain medications, and some children may experience side effects like headaches, nausea, or daytime sleepiness.
**News Anchor:** So, what advice would you give parents who are considering giving melatonin to their children?
**Dr. Carter:** First and foremost, consult with your child’s pediatrician. They can help determine the underlying cause of the sleep problems and recommend the most appropriate course of action. If melatonin is deemed necessary, start with a low dose and monitor your child for any side effects.
Remember, melatonin is not a magic bullet. It’s important to address the root cause of sleep problems and establish healthy sleep habits along with any potential medical intervention.
**News Anchor:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.