Story Highlight
– Melatonin use in children is rising among parents.
– Concerns about safety and dosage variances in gummies.
– Most UK prescriptions limited to specific medical conditions.
– Experts recommend addressing root causes of sleep issues.
– Natural methods suggested over supplements for improving sleep.
Full Story
The rise of melatonin as a sleep aid has significantly evolved over recent years, with its initial use primarily among international travellers looking to overcome jet lag. However, its reach has extended into everyday households, with many parents now administering melatonin to assist their children in achieving a restful night’s sleep—a necessity that resonates deeply with caregivers facing sleepless little ones.
The shift towards melatonin use for children is particularly pronounced among parents navigating the challenges of getting their offspring to sleep. Many have turned to melatonin gummies—notably a relatively recent trend—reflecting a growing reliance on sleep aids. According to Dr Lindsay Browning, a sleep specialist affiliated with TroubleSleeping.co.uk, social media has played a pivotal role in increasing public interest in sleep-related products, including melatonin. The ease of access to online pharmacies has also influenced this trend, as melatonin remains prescription-only in the UK.
“Although in the UK, melatonin is not available to buy without prescription, I have seen a lot of parents getting hold of melatonin over the internet or when travelling abroad, to use with their children,” Dr Browning noted. “With social media being so vocal about improving sleep, there has been an increased interest in sleep aids like melatonin, which has probably led to this increase in use.”
Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” is produced naturally in the body and plays a critical role in regulating our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. During periods of darkness, melatonin production rises, signalling the body to prepare for rest by lowering heart rate and body temperature. Conversely, exposure to light decreases its production, prompting wakefulness.
In contrast to the UK, where melatonin can only be prescribed—primarily to children with certain developmental conditions such as autism or ADHD—its availability as an over-the-counter supplement in other countries, particularly the US, raises questions about safety and usage.
Recent concerns emerged when iHerb, a US-based online retailer, temporarily halted shipments of melatonin gummies to Australia due to incidents of reported non-fatal overdoses in children. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a caution regarding unregulated melatonin products, revealing that some brands contained significantly more melatonin than listed, with discrepancies ranging from 112% to 417% of the stated dose.
“The variability in melatonin content raises serious safety concerns for consumers, including the risk of hospitalisation and accidental overdose, especially in children,” stated the TGA. The gummy form of melatonin, resembling sweets, further complicates the issue, potentially making them more attractive to children.
Mandy Gurney, the founder of Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic, expressed her concerns regarding the sourcing of melatonin. “My worry for parents is, where’s the melatonin coming from in the first place?” she queried. “Is it prescribed? Are they buying it online? Are they these gummies? We’ve got absolutely no idea how much melatonin is in those because it’s not regulated.”
In the UK, prescriptions of melatonin are typically reserved for a narrow group of children whose neurodevelopmental conditions affect their natural melatonin production. Consequently, many parents seeking this aid resort to online purchases or bring it back from international trips. Experts advocate for cautious use, starting with low doses and implementing “hormone holidays,” as highlighted by Professor Paul Gringras, a consultant in paediatric neurodisability and sleep medicine. “But who is monitoring what these children are having?” Gurney asks, expressing her apprehension regarding unregulated access.
Furthermore, a recent uptick in recommendations for magnesium spray as a sleep aid for infants on social media platforms raises additional alarm for parents navigating sleep issues. “It’s a minefield for parents to know what they can trust,” Gurney remarked.
Current research into the long-term effects of melatonin on children and adolescents remains limited, with most studies indicating only minor side effects such as grogginess or headaches. “More research is definitely needed,” Dr Browning stated. “Studies that have looked at melatonin use in children generally report only mild side effects, but uncertainties and important questions remain.”
In adults, findings from a substantial study released last year suggested that long-term melatonin use—defined as over twelve months—could increase the risk of heart failure by approximately 90% over five years. These findings spark further debate regarding the safety of melatonin, specifically when considering its usage among children.
Experts maintain reservations surrounding melatonin, as it addresses sleep issues without tackling potential underlying causes. Conditions such as restless leg syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and sleep apnoea may contribute to sleep struggles. Gurney notes that some children previously seen at her clinic were found to have low ferritin levels, subsequently improving their sleep upon receiving iron supplementation from their GP. “There are lots of other factors we need to consider, and giving melatonin may be masking some of those other issues,” she emphasised.
Though most children produce sufficient melatonin naturally, alternative methods exist to enhance melatonin production without resorting to supplements. Andrea Grace, a child and baby sleep consultant, advocates for ample exposure to natural light in the mornings and a calming pre-bedtime routine. “If a child needs a night light, opt for a red one,” she recommends, “as it doesn’t interfere with melatonin production like white or blue light.”
In addition, dietary choices play a role; consuming foods rich in tryptophan—such as turkey, fish, eggs, and nuts—can support natural melatonin synthesis.
While melatonin does not typically induce physical dependency akin to pharmaceutical sleeping pills, Dr Browning warns of the potential for psychological dependency through its regular use in children. “They may not develop skills for how to fall asleep independently without it,” she observed.
Critically, experts favour addressing the root issues causing sleep disturbances. Grace frequently encounters families embroiled in anxiety related to bedtime. “An earlier bedtime can ironically lead to children associating bed with wakefulness,” she explained. Encouragingly, she suggests a gradual adjustment to sleep routines rather than immediate recourse to supplements.
Moreover, understanding a child’s genetically determined sleep preference, or chronotype, is crucial. Gurney asserts that genetic factors significantly influence sleep patterns, often leading to mismatched expectations between parental schedules and children’s natural inclinations.
To further support healthy sleep habits, keeping a sleep diary to track children’s sleep patterns can be advantageous. Grace also advises a soothing pre-bedtime routine, incorporating calming activities, which aids in preparing children for sleep.
Finally, prioritising quality time with children, particularly after a long day, can immensely bolster the bedtime experience, as it fosters connection and security. These methods, embracing patience and understanding, provide promising alternatives to relying solely on melatonin, ensuring children develop healthy sleep habits.
Our Thoughts
The increasing use of melatonin, particularly in children, raises significant safety concerns, particularly regarding its unregulated distribution and potential risks of overdose. To prevent such incidents, strict adherence to UK health and safety regulations must be enforced, particularly the Medicines Act 1968, which regulates the sale and distribution of medicinal products. There should be greater awareness that melatonin is available only through prescription and monitoring of its use by healthcare professionals.
Key safety lessons include the importance of parental education regarding the potential risks of unsupervised melatonin use and the dangers of obtaining medications from unverified online sources. Health professionals should provide guidance on alternative sleep strategies that address the root causes of sleep issues rather than resorting to supplements.
To mitigate similar risks, public health initiatives could emphasize the significance of understanding a child’s sleep patterns and the role of health assessments in identifying underlying issues. Better regulatory oversight of online pharmacies is essential to prevent unregulated products from entering the market. Most importantly, fostering open communication between parents and healthcare providers can help avoid reliance on unprescribed supplements and ensure better sleep practices for children.
