04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 11:08
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All parents can agree-a good night's sleep is one of the most amazing feelings-and even more so when our children sleep well. It's not always easy, though, and sometimes kids need a little help getting into a healthy sleeping routine. Melatonin has become a popular, over-the-counter supplement to help kids sleep, but some of the news coverage about melatonin poisoning, guidelines in the works to make melatonin safer for kids, and a report from the CDCconcerning melatonin-related emergency room visits for children 5 and younger, have raised questions:
Dr. John Brancato, Division Head of Emergency Medicine at Connecticut Children's, addresses concerns about melatonin poisoning from parents.
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Melatonin is a hormone secreted by our brain. It helps both kids and adults to respond to changes in daylight and also encourages sleep. Because melatonin is not addictive and because the body produces it naturally, it's fairly safe to use in most cases. Melatonin for kids comes in different forms-the most popular being great-tasting gummies-not unlike candy.
In the past ten years:
Call 911 if the situation is life threatening.
The answer isn't always that simple. While between one and three milligrams is generally safe for young children, please ask your pediatrician first. And for adults, try to avoid taking more than five milligrams daily.
The other issue, aside from the exact dosage, is that the vitamin and supplement industry is very unregulated. This means that the amount of melatonin may vary remarkably from what is printed on the label and other ingredients could be included that are not listed.
Some melatonin products may also contain serotonin, a precursor (building block) of melatonin in the body and a powerful neurotransmitter (the body's chemical messenger). The presence of serotonin appears to be more likely in products that contain other herbal extracts. This "double dose" can increase the risk of melatonin poisoning.
We're all trying our best. You are not a bad parent for wanting to help your child (and entire household!) sleep soundly. At the same time, it's always important to be aware about the potential dangers of melatonin. Remember to keep ALL medications, including supplements, locked safely away from children.
>Related: Tips for Better Sleep for Mental Health in a Challenging World
There are many things you can do! It takes commitment, patience and knowing the most appropriate techniques for your child's age.
Also, maybe it's time for a sleep study. Need an appointment with one of our dedicated sleep specialists? Call 860.837.6643.
Sources Consulted:
Dr. Brancato is the division head of Emergency Medicine. His interests include resident/fellow education, quality improvement and community-ED relations.