Beware of the Dangerous Trend: Melatonin Misuse in Children
Going viral on TikTok, parents are promoting melatonin gummy bears as an instant solution for children's sleep issues. These cheerful videos portray parents loading up their kids with melatonin gummies for a quick nap. However, pediatricians, including Ekkehart Paditz, a member of the German Society for Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research (DGSM), warn against this trend.
Melatonin, a natural hormone, plays a crucial role in inducing sleep. The hormone's production in the pineal gland kicks in when darkness falls, serving as the "hormone of the night." While numerous over-the-counter (OTC) melatonin supplements are readily available online and in drugstores, they are primarily marketed towards adults.
Paditz advises against administering OTC melatonin products to children without consulting a doctor. Research has shown that melatonin metabolism in infants and young children is slower, making it challenging to predict the dosage's effects. There have also been reports of excessive melatonin levels in children, potentially leading to severe consequences.
The German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has received over 700 reports of melatonin-containing products since 2011. Regrettably, not all of these products have been authorized for sale.
Excessive use of melatonin supplements can result in various side effects, from headaches and daytime drowsiness to vivid dreams and nightmares. Dependence on melatonin is also a potential risk. If the supplement is discontinued, the body may struggle to produce its own melatonin, causing insomnia.
Be Conscious of Warning Signs
If children display prolonged difficulty sleeping or sequential daytime naps, a visit to the pediatrician is necessary. Common causes of sleep disorders include excessive screen time, using cell phones prior to bedtime, or underlying mental health issues. Melatonin should not be a quick fix, but rather, it should supplement the implementation of healthy sleep hygiene practices.
In light of these concerns, Paditz and his colleagues will present a medical guideline for melatonin use in children with sleep disorders at the annual DGSM congress in Berlin from December 7 to 9.
The Power of Routine
Medication is rarely used to address sleep disorders in practice. Instead, experts like Jakob Maske, the spokesperson for the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors, emphasize the importance of discovering the root cause of the sleep disorder during a doctor's visit.
Maske often encounters children struggling with sleep problems due to excessive screen use or late-night movie marathons. Implementing a regular sleep routine can help alleviate these problems. By developing routines and promoting relaxation before bed, children will find it easier to fall asleep. Mannerly soothing strokes, reading bedtime stories, or gently singing lullabies can aid in this process.
In Brief
While melatonin has some use for children with sleep disorders, it is essential to consult a pediatrician before administering any supplements. Underlying sleep disorders may require alternative treatments, and a professional can ensure the correct dosage to avoid potential side effects and harmful interactions with other medications. Implementing healthy sleep routines and schedules can also contribute to better sleep.
