Parents across the UK are being issued an urgent health warning following a dramatic spike in young children being hospitalised after accidentally overdosing on over-the-counter melatonin sleep gummies.
The concerning trend, flagged by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), reveals thousands of emergency calls and numerous hospitalisations, primarily involving toddlers and young children who have consumed multiple brightly coloured, sweet-like supplements.
Why This Is Happening Now
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, has seen a boom in popularity as an accessible sleep aid for adults. Its presentation in enticing gummy form, however, has created a significant poisoning risk for children who mistake them for sweets.
"These products are often packaged in pots that resemble children's sweets, with no child-resistant closures," a spokesperson from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society stated. "Their appealing flavour and appearance make them a serious attraction for curious young children."
The Alarming Numbers
Poison control centres have been inundated with calls. Reported cases include:
- Severe drowsiness and lethargy, making it difficult to rouse a child.
- Reports of dizziness, headaches, and agitation.
- In more severe cases, children experiencing upset stomachs, vomiting, and nausea.
While most children recover with medical support, the potential for accidental consumption of an entire bottle poses a serious and unpredictable health risk.
Expert Advice for Parents
Health experts are urging parents and guardians to take immediate preventative steps:
- Treat melatonin like medicine: Store all supplements, including gummies, securely out of sight and reach of children, ideally in a locked cabinet.
- Check packaging: Be aware that many products lack mandatory child-resistant packaging.
- Know the symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of overdose: extreme drowsiness, confusion, or vomiting.
- Seek help immediately: If you suspect your child has consumed melatonin, contact NHS 111 or your local emergency department without delay.
The message from health bodies is clear: while marketed for sleep support, these gummies are potent supplements, not sweets, and must be stored with the same caution as any other medication.
