In a concerning new study, it has been discovered that nearly a fifth of children in the United States are using powerful sleeping supplements, specifically melatonin. The findings have experts sounding the alarm, as there is a worrisome lack of research into the long-term effects of such usage.

The research, conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder, involved analyzing data from 993 children between the ages of one to 13 years old. The study found that the use of melatonin significantly increased with age. Among 10- to 13-year-olds, parents reported that 19.4 percent had consumed melatonin in the previous 30 days, making it the highest age group. Prevalence was the second highest among five- to nine-year-olds, with 18.5 percent reported melatonin use.

Dr. Lauren Hartstein, a fellow in the Sleep and Development Lab at CU Boulder and the lead author of the study, expressed concern over the high usage rates and emphasized the need for more research. While the researchers are not claiming that melatonin is necessarily harmful to children, they believe that further studies are necessary to confidently determine its long-term safety.

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body that helps regulate the internal body clock and signal the need for sleep. In the US, melatonin supplements are available over the counter as dietary supplements, including child-friendly gummies, without requiring a prescription. However, this lack of regulation means that the actual doses in these supplements can differ from what is indicated on the labels. Higher-than-recommended doses can lead to adverse effects such as excessive sleepiness, stomach problems, headaches, and, in extreme cases, high blood pressure.

The study revealed that approximately 12.8 percent of children aged five to 13 had consumed melatonin supplements in the past 30 days. Among children aged one to four, the percentage was lower, with 5.6 percent of parents reporting melatonin use. This is a significant increase compared to a previous study conducted from 2017 to 2018, where only 1.3 percent of US parents reported their children using melatonin.

Melatonin supplements are classified as drugs in many countries and can only be obtained with a prescription. However, in the US, they are easily available over the counter as dietary supplements, resulting in their widespread use as a sleep aid for individuals experiencing difficulties falling and staying asleep.

Dr. Hartstein highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing children's sleep issues, rather than relying solely on melatonin. She emphasized that the high usage rates indicate an underlying problem that should be addressed directly.

While research has generally deemed melatonin supplements safe for short-term use, concerns have been raised regarding their impact on the development and timing of puberty onset in young children. However, due to a lack of extensive studies, results on the long-term safety of melatonin use in children have been inconsistent.

Furthermore, the availability of melatonin supplements in gummy form, resembling and tasting like candy, poses a significant risk of accidental ingestion at unsafe levels, particularly in children. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that reports of melatonin ingestion to poison control centers increased by 530 percent from 2012 to 2021, with the majority of cases occurring in children under five years old. Thankfully, the majority of cases were unintentional and asymptomatic.

Dr. Julie Boergers, a psychologist and pediatric sleep specialist who co-authored the study, highlighted that while melatonin can be useful under the supervision of a doctor, it is typically not the first-line treatment. She recommended that families first explore behavioral changes before turning to melatonin, using it only as a temporary solution.

As concerns rise over the high prevalence of melatonin use among children, experts are urging for more extensive research on the long-term effects of these supplements. It is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of children while addressing their sleep issues effectively.