Infants and children are increasingly being taken to the emergency room for melatonin poisonings.

Rise in ER Visits by Young Children Who Accidentally Ingest Over-the-Counter Melatonin as More Americans Use it to Aid Sleep

🌙 The Dangers of Melatonin: Protecting Our Little Sleepyheads! 🌙

By Dr. Zzz, MD

Picture this: you’ve had a long day, the weight of the world on your shoulders, and all you want is a peaceful night of sleep. But wait! You reach for that trusty bottle of over-the-counter melatonin, only to find it empty. Panic ensues. Desperate, you scour your home, ransacking every room until you finally locate a precious stash hidden at the back of your medicine cabinet. Phew! Pure bliss is just one gummy away!

While many adult Americans are turning to melatonin as a sleep aid, a concerning trend has emerged. Young children, fueled by curiosity and an insatiable appetite for…well, everything, have been accidentally ingesting these supplements, leading to a surge in emergency room visits. In fact, the numbers are enough to make your eyes widen faster than a kid hopped up on sugar!

According to a recent report, there has been a staggering 420% rise in cases of melatonin ingestion among children from 2012 to 2021. Interestingly, calls to poison control centers have also seen a 530% increase from people worried about their little ones getting their hands on these sleep-inducing goodies. Yikes!

Now, before you start envisioning toddlers bouncing off the walls like tiny Energizer bunnies, take a breath. The majority of cases did not result in severe harm or require hospitalization, thankfully. However, we can’t bury our heads in the sand (or the pillows) when the numbers show that melatonin was involved in a whopping 7% of unsupervised medication exposures for infants and young children, as reported between 2019 and 2022.

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So, how are our precious bundles of joy getting their little mitts on melatonin? Well, it seems that the culprits are those enticing, candy-like forms of the supplement—flavored gummies and chewable tablets. They’re cute, they’re colorful, and oh, so appealing to curious little eyes. You can’t blame them, really. It’s like leaving a cookie jar full of chocolate chip goodness on the kitchen counter and expecting everyone to resist it. It’s just not humanly possible!

Now, don’t fret. Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been hard at work, analyzing the data and uncovering some eye-opening findings. They discovered that the consumption of over-the-counter melatonin among adults in the U.S. has multiplied five-fold in the past two decades. Yeah, we really seem to be falling hard for those dreams of sweet slumber.

The researchers sifted through a national database of emergency room admissions, specifically focusing on cases of unsupervised melatonin ingestion by infants and children between 2012 and 2021. So, what did they unearth? Well, it turns out that gummy formulations accounted for a staggering 47.3% of cases, making it the most popular form in which kids got their hands on the supplement. Gummies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? That’s a bit too much even for the sweetest of teeth!

Worryingly, over a third of cases involved babies or toddlers swallowing ten or more melatonin gummies or tablets. That’s like a candy buffet on steroids! And, get this, about 32.8% of infants and children accessed melatonin straight from the bottle. It seems like child-resistant packaging is more elusive than a unicorn riding a rainbow!

To protect our little sleepyheads, the CDC researchers suggest opting for melatonin products that come in child-resistant packaging. It’s a simple step that can go a long way in preventing accidental ingestion and keeping our kiddos safe.

🔬 Digging Deeper…

To truly understand the impact of melatonin on our children’s health, let’s take a closer look at the contrasting viewpoints in the scientific community. While some experts believe that melatonin can be safely used as a sleep aid for children, others express concerns over its potential long-term effects and the lack of extensive research in this area.

One hot topic of debate is the appropriate dosage for children. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests starting with the lowest effective dose, usually around 0.5 milligrams, and gradually increasing if necessary. However, it’s vital to consult with a healthcare professional before administering any supplements to children, especially those under the age of two.

Moreover, the timing of melatonin administration is another area of contention. Some argue that it should be taken approximately 30 minutes before bedtime, while others recommend a more flexible approach, aligning melatonin consumption with the body’s natural production of the hormone.

As with any medication or supplement, there can be side effects. Common ones associated with melatonin include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. However, research on the long-term effects of melatonin is limited, leaving experts divided on its safety and efficacy as a sleep aid for children.

🔍 Further Exploration…

While melatonin may seem like a magical sleep potion, it’s essential to explore alternative strategies for improving sleep quality in children. Developing healthy sleep habits, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a sleep-friendly environment can have a profound impact on children’s sleep patterns.

For parents seeking natural remedies, certain foods are believed to promote better sleep. For example, warm milk has long been associated with inducing sleepiness due to its high tryptophan content. Also, foods rich in magnesium, such as spinach and nuts, can potentially help relax the mind and body before bedtime.

If you’re interested in learning more about brain-boosting foods for kids, check out our article on “Brain Foods: Healthy Food for Kids’ Brains”. From fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids to colorful fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants, you can ensure your child’s brain receives the nourishment it needs for optimal function.

👩‍⚕️ Q&A: Your Questions, Answered! 👨‍⚕️

Q: Is melatonin safe for children?

A: While melatonin is generally considered safe for children, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before administering any supplements. The appropriate dosage and timing may vary based on a child’s age and individual needs.

Q: Are there any potential side effects of melatonin in children?

A: Some common side effects of melatonin in children include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. However, it’s essential to monitor your child closely and consult with a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Q: Are there alternative strategies for improving my child’s sleep quality?

A: Absolutely! Developing healthy sleep habits, creating a soothing bedtime routine, and ensuring a sleep-friendly environment can significantly impact your child’s sleep patterns. Additionally, certain foods, like warm milk and magnesium-rich options, may promote better sleep.

📚 References:

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Melatonin

2. American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Pediatric Sleep Duration Consensus Statement

3. Sleep Foundation – [Melatonin for

• ER Visits for Infant Child Melatonin Poisonings Are Soaring