Over 50% of American Parents Administer Melatonin to Children, Contrary to Expert Recommendations

In light of recent findings, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has raised concerns over the widespread use of melatonin as a sleep aid for children. A recent poll by the AASM revealed that a startling 46% of American parents have been administering melatonin to their children under 13, despite the organization's explicit warning against its use without a doctor's prescription.

Melatonin's Unregulated Status

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep, is available over the counter and is often marketed as a harmless alternative to medication. However, its status as a dietary supplement in the United States means it escapes the regulatory scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), potentially leading to significant health risks.

Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, vice chair of AASM's Public Safety Committee, stated in a press release, "While melatonin can be useful in treating certain sleep-wake disorders, like jet lag, there is much less evidence it can help healthy children or adults fall asleep faster." He emphasized the importance of fostering good sleep habits in children instead of resorting to melatonin supplements.

Due to their unregulated nature, melatonin supplements sometimes contain much higher doses than advertised. The fact that it often comes in candy-like gummy form or chewable-flavored tablets makes children particularly susceptible to overdosing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a whopping 530% increase in pediatric melatonin ingestions reported to US poison control centers between 2012 and 2021.

While around 84% of the reported cases did not present symptoms, several instances involved children experiencing trouble breathing or displaying cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system symptoms. Over the past decade, melatonin overdoses have led to the machines of 4,000 children, with five requiring breathing assistance from and, and sadly, two children under the age of two passing away.

Expert Recommendations and Alternative Approaches

The majority of individuals hospitalized for melatonin overdoses were teenagers, with the incidents relating to attempted suicides. For adults, melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use, but consulting with a healthcare professional is highly recommended.

A closer look at the demographics from AASM's survey, conducted between March 24 and March 29, 2023, revealed interesting patterns. Fathers were more inclined than mothers to administer melatonin to children under 13. Moreover, parents aged between 25 and 34 emerged as the most likely age group to give their children the supplement.

This growing trend of melatonin usage in children is alarming, given the lack of comprehensive evidence supporting its efficacy and the potential risks involved. It underscores the urgent need for increased awareness among parents about the implications of using unregulated supplements and the importance of cultivating healthy sleep habits in children from a young age.

The AASM continues to advocate for caution, urging parents to consider the risks and seek professional advice before resorting to melatonin supplements for their children. The organization's findings serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for more research and a closer examination of the regulatory framework surrounding dietary supplements like melatonin.