Pediatricians warn against melatonin as a sleep aid

Beware of the Misguided Melatonin Trend in Childhood Slumber

This viral TikTok craze has parents promoting melatonin gummy bears as a speedy sleep remedy for their children. Cheery videos show parents handing out melatonin gummies to their kids for a quick siesta. However, medicinal experts like Ekkehart Paditz, a member of the German Society for Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research (DGSM), caution against this trend.

Melatonin, a natural hormone, plays a significant role in inducing sleep. Produced in the pineal gland when darkness falls, it serves as the "night-time hormone." While numerous over-the-counter (OTC) melatonin supplements are readily accessible online and in drugstores, they primarily target adults.

Paditz warns against administering OTC melatonin products to children without medical consultation. Research shows that melatonin metabolism in infants and young children takes longer, making accurate dosage predictions tricky. Even reports exist of children experiencing excessive melatonin levels, potentially leading to severe health consequences.

The German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has received over 700 reports of melatonin-containing products since 2011. Sadly, not all of these items have been authorized for sale.

Excessive melatonin supplement usage can bring about various side effects, from headaches and daytime drowsiness to vivid dreams and nightmares. Over-dependence on melatonin is also a potential risk. If discontinued, the body may struggle to produce its own melatonin, causing insomnia.

Awareness of Warning Signs

If children experience prolonged sleep difficulties or sequential daytime naps, a doctor's visit is necessary. Sleep disorders can have various causes, such as excessive screen time or underlying emotional issues. Melatonin should not be a quick solution but rather an addition to healthy sleep hygiene.

As a result of these concerns, Paditz and his colleagues will present a medical guideline for melatonin usage in children with sleep disorders at the annual DGSM congress in Berlin from December 7 to 9.

Emphasis on Routine

Medication is seldom the primary treatment choice for sleep disorders. Professionals like Jakob Maske, the spokesperson for the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors, stress the importance of uncovering the root cause of the sleep disorder during a doctor's visit.

Maske often encounters children battling sleep problems due to excessive screen time or late-night movie marathons. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help overcome these issues. By developing routines and promoting relaxation before bed, children will find it easier to fall asleep. Gentle, soothing strokes, bedtime stories, or soft lullabies can contribute to the process.

In Summary

Melatonin has potential benefits for children with sleep disorders, but seeking guidance from a pediatrician is crucial before administering any supplements. Sleep disorders might necessitate alternative treatments, and a professional can assure a suitable dosage to prevent adverse effects and interactions with other medications. Establishing healthy sleep routines and schedules can also contribute to better sleep.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Melatonin Misuse in Children

1. Common Side Effects:
2. Headaches [1][5]
3. Drowsiness or Grogginess [1][2]
4. Dizziness [1][5]
5. Agitation [1]
6. Bedwetting [1]
7. Daytime sleepiness or tiredness upon waking [5]
8. Vivid dreams or nightmares [1][5]
9. Rare but Serious Side Effects:
10. Persistent nausea [1]
11. Unexplained dizziness [1]
12. Irritability [1]
13. Anxiety [1]
14. Diarrhea [1]
15. Sudden joint pain [1]
16. Depression symptoms [5]
17. Mild anxiety or irritability [5]
18. Confusion or loss of alertness [5]
19. Nausea or vomiting [5]

When to Consult a Pediatrician

1. General Guidelines:
2. Children Under 3 Years: Avoid melatonin unless directed by a pediatrician due to potential side effects and the risk of disrupting circadian rhythms [1].
3. Specific Situations:
4. Sleep Disorders: Consult a pediatrician before starting melatonin for children with sleep disorders, as a low dosage can help regulate sleep patterns, but only under medical guidance [2].
5. Pre-existing Conditions: If the child has any pre-existing conditions, such as epilepsy or autoimmune diseases, consult a pediatrician before administering melatonin [5].
6. Medication Interactions: If the child is taking other medications, such as anticoagulants or corticosteroids, consult a pediatrician to avoid potential interactions [1].
7. Dosage and Timing: Always consult a pediatrician for guidance on appropriate dosage and timing to avoid adverse effects [2].