Posted on Dec 17, 2023
What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin
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https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/12/16/ [login to see] /kids-melatonin-sleep-supplements-pediatrics-parents
What do you do when you can't get your kids to settle down to go to sleep? For a growing number of parents, the answer is melatonin.
Recent research shows nearly one in five school-age children and adolescents are now using the supplement on a regular basis. Pediatricians say that's cause for alarm.
"It is terrifying to me that this amount of an unregulated product is being utilized," says Dr. Cora Collette Breuner, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It's also sold as a dietary supplement and is widely used as a sleep aid.
What do you do when you can't get your kids to settle down to go to sleep? For a growing number of parents, the answer is melatonin.
Recent research shows nearly one in five school-age children and adolescents are now using the supplement on a regular basis. Pediatricians say that's cause for alarm.
"It is terrifying to me that this amount of an unregulated product is being utilized," says Dr. Cora Collette Breuner, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It's also sold as a dietary supplement and is widely used as a sleep aid.
What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin
Posted from npr.org
Children
Parenting
Drugs
Pharmaceuticals
Health
Posted 5 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The Bottom Line
Good sleep is crucial for a healthy life.
Most short-term studies show that melatonin is safe with little to no side effects and may help kids fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
However, its long-term use is not well studied in children. For this reason, it’s not advised to give your child melatonin unless instructed by your doctor.
In many cases, poor sleep can be caused by habits children have before bedtime, such as using light-emitting devices.
Limiting their use before bed can help kids get to sleep faster.
Other tips that aid sleep include setting a bedtime, helping kids relax before bed, creating a bedtime routine, ensuring their room is cool and getting plenty of sunlight during the day."
..."The Bottom Line
Good sleep is crucial for a healthy life.
Most short-term studies show that melatonin is safe with little to no side effects and may help kids fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
However, its long-term use is not well studied in children. For this reason, it’s not advised to give your child melatonin unless instructed by your doctor.
In many cases, poor sleep can be caused by habits children have before bedtime, such as using light-emitting devices.
Limiting their use before bed can help kids get to sleep faster.
Other tips that aid sleep include setting a bedtime, helping kids relax before bed, creating a bedtime routine, ensuring their room is cool and getting plenty of sunlight during the day."
(5)
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