Melatonin And Your Child: What Every Michigan Parent Needs To Know

Sleep is crucial for children's development, but many parents struggle with getting their kids to sleep.

In recent years, melatonin, an over-the-counter supplement believed to regulate sleep cycles, has become a popular solution.

However, experts urge caution when considering this option.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness.

It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep.

Melatonin is not under FDA oversight, meaning its dosage and quality can vary significantly.

A study found that some melatonin gummies had 347% more melatonin than advertised, leading to a surge in calls to poison control centers about children accidentally overdosing on melatonin.

Overdoses can lead to excessive sleepiness, headaches, nausea, or agitation

While melatonin can shorten the time to fall asleep in children with insomnia, including those with ADHD, it should not be used in children without sleep problems just to "help them get better/more restful sleep"

It's also not recommended for children under 5 years old.

If you decide to use melatonin, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the correct dose for your child's age and specific sleep issue.

It's also recommended to start with the lowest possible dose and only increase if needed.

However, melatonin should not be the first solution parents turn to.

Instead, behavioral measures and sleep should be prioritized.

This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a quiet and comfortable sleep environment, and limiting exposure to blue screens, which can suppress melatonin production.