Nearly half of parents in the US have given the sleep supplement melatonin to their children under 13, according to a poll by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The survey found that 46 percent of parents have administered melatonin to children under 13 at least once, while 30 percent have given it to teenagers over 13.
The AASM conducted the online survey among 2,005 US adults between March 24 and 29, 2023, of whom 1,003 had at least one child under 18 living with them. Fathers were more likely than mothers to give melatonin to their children, and parents aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to give it to children under 13.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. However, researchers warn that parents may mistakenly believe it is harmless because it is naturally occurring. The supplements are not regulated by government agencies, and studies have found that many contain much higher doses than stated on labels. One supplement was found to contain 347 percent of the labelled amount, while another contained no melatonin at all but instead contained CBD.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the number of children hospitalised after ingesting melatonin increased by 530 percent from 2012 to 2021. Melatonin accounted for nearly five percent of all paediatric poisoning cases in 2021, up from 0.6 percent in 2012. While most cases were asymptomatic, severe symptoms included gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or central nervous system issues.
Experts caution that long-term effects of melatonin use are unknown, but some research suggests it may increase the risk of dementia in older age. Short-term side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. The AASM advises parents to consult a doctor before giving melatonin to children and to store supplements safely to prevent accidental ingestion.
