What are the risks of giving melatonin pills to children?

Melbourne. Sleep is important for psychological and physical health, but many children have trouble sleeping. This can be exhausting for both children and parents, and some parents have started giving their children melatonin lollies to help them sleep. These gummies, bought online abroad, are used to improve the sleep of their babies. I have spent the past 15 years researching the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sleep problems and difficulties, and I am also on the International Pediatric Sleep Association’s task force for the use of melatonin in children. What does the science say about the benefits and risks of melatonin gummies for kids?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is secreted in our brain. It is related to the timing and quality of our sleep-wake rhythm and is determined by our body’s internal clock. Melatonin makes us sleepy at certain times. It is secreted when our body is getting ready for sleep and usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to take effect. Melatonin secretion peaks in the middle of the night and gradually begins to decline until we are ready to wake up and start our day. For children with autism spectrum disorder or Smith Magnis syndrome, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia recommends melatonin – but this should only be recommended by a health professional, and should only be used when sleep is normal. treatments are not working.

Long-term research has not been done on its effects.

It is very helpful for falling asleep, effective and with minimal side effects (mainly headache, drowsiness and sometimes irritability). But the TGA does not recommend melatonin for children who do not have autism spectrum disorder or Smith Magnis syndrome. This is mainly because long-term research has not been done on its effects, and most children’s sleep problems can usually be managed with behavioral and psychological sleep techniques rather than medications. Sales of melatonin are increasing rapidly throughout the United States and Canada (where it is available over-the-counter) and throughout Europe. In Australia, melatonin is prescribed by a doctor to treat sleep disorders in adults, but it is now available without a prescription for people aged 55 and over. Its efficacy and safety have been established in adults.

Used to make disabled children sleep

A recently published study on this topic (which has yet to be reviewed by other experts in this field) was conducted by CQU researcher Alison Glass, of which I was a supervisor. The study included a survey of 255 Australian parents (selected from online groups and networks) of children with insomnia. Of these, about 70 percent reported that they used melatonin to help their children sleep. Of those who used melatonin for their children, about 25 percent had children with autism spectrum disorder or Smith Magnis syndrome. But about 75 percent of the rest used melatonin for their children, even if they didn’t have autism spectrum disorder or Smith Magnus syndrome.

Risk of melatonin signature quality unknown

There are very few long-term research studies in this regard and very few studies on the quality and safety of melatonin purchased online. One Canadian study examined 31 brands of melatonin supplements. The researchers found that 26 percent of the supplements contained large discrepancies between the amount of active melatonin and a contaminant (in this case, serotonin) stated on the label. In other words, the amount of melatonin present in the gum may be unknown. This raises the question of whether it is necessary to give these relatively overlooked drugs to children. The TGA’s Advisory Committee on Medicine Scheduling stated in 2017 that parental sleep may be less debilitating and dangerous. It is now understood that parents of sleep-deprived children will look for the fastest way to calm their children. But long-term research on the use of melatonin in children is lacking.

What can a sleep-deprived parent do?

Talk to health care professionals. This is important when considering any medication for children; Continuous follow-up and progress is important to monitor for side effects. Before considering any other melatonin alternatives, ask your health care provider about behavioral techniques you can use to promote healthy sleep habits. Sleep is less tiring and parents are quite desperate. However, I recommend caution in purchasing melatonin online without the guidance of a qualified health professional.

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