New research conducted at the University of Colorado, Boulder has revealed a shocking rise in the number of American children being given melatonin gummies and tablets by their parents to aid sleep. Despite ongoing warnings against administering this popular natural sleep aid to children without a prescription, one in five American children are now consuming melatonin, representing a significant surge from previous years.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recently issued a warning advising against giving melatonin to children under the age of 13. This caution is largely due to the fact that melatonin is not fully regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and there have been reports of certain brands containing up to 300% of the advertised dose, posing an even greater potential danger to kids.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a staggering 530% increase in children consuming melatonin, with 94% of cases being accidental, between 2012 and 2021. Experts attribute this rise to children being lured by the candy-like form in which melatonin is commonly taken, such as gummies.

Study lead author Lauren Hartstein emphasized the need for increased awareness among parents and clinicians, urging the scientific community to take note of these concerning trends. While the researchers do not claim that melatonin is necessarily harmful to children, they stress the need for extensive research before confidently stating its safety for long-term use in kids.

Interestingly, melatonin is a prescription drug in countries like the United Kingdom, but its use has skyrocketed in the United States among children, according to Hartstein. Parents may unknowingly administer these supplements without fully understanding their contents.

The University of Colorado study found that nearly 20% of children aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 13 were given melatonin, while 6% of preschoolers aged 1 to 4 were also consuming it. This suggests a significant prevalence of underlying sleep issues among children that need to be addressed. Pediatric sleep specialist Julie Boergers stressed caution when administering any medication or supplement to developing bodies, highlighting the need to tackle the root causes of sleep disturbances rather than solely addressing the symptoms.

The increasing trend of children consuming melatonin raises concerns among medical professionals and underscores the urgent need for further research and regulation. Parents are advised to exercise caution and seek professional guidance regarding the use of melatonin in children to ensure their safety and well-being.