A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the dangers of unsupervised melatonin ingestion among children in the US. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain to regulate sleep, has become increasingly popular among adults as a sleep aid. However, the report found that over 11,000 children ended up in the emergency room after ingesting melatonin without adult supervision.
Most concerning is the fact that the majority of children taken to the ER for melatonin ingestion were age 5 and under. In fact, about 7% of all unsupervised medication exposures in infants and young children were due to melatonin ingestion. The study found that more than half of these incidents involved children between 3 and 5 years old, and the majority of visits did not involve additional medications.
One of the main issues highlighted in the report is the lack of regulation for melatonin products, as they are not overseen by the FDA. This has led to discrepancies in ingredients in melatonin gummies, which were involved in nearly 5,000 cases of unsupervised ingestion by children.
While most unsupervised melatonin ingestions did not result in hospitalization, researchers are calling for more research on the safe and necessary use of melatonin for children. Side effects of melatonin in children can include drowsiness, headaches, agitation, and increased bed-wetting. It is recommended that parents consult with a pediatrician before giving their children melatonin, as the long-term effects on growth and development are still unknown.
To improve sleep without the use of melatonin, experts suggest reducing exposure to blue-light-emitting devices before bed and engaging in calming activities like reading or taking a warm bath. Additionally, adults should consider purchasing melatonin products with child-resistant packaging to prevent unsupervised ingestions by curious children.
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