In a new survey, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 46% of parents -- what it called a “shocking number” -- have given melatonin to children under the age of 13. About 30% gave their teenager melatonin to aid in sleep.A natural hormone that helps regulate the body’s internal clock, melatonin may seem like a simple solution, the AASM said.Parents should talk to a health care professional before giving melatonin or any supplement to children, the AASM advised.
People are also reading… In one study, researchers found that melatonin ranged from less than one-half to more than four times the amount stated on the label. Chewable tablets had particularly significant variability. Some of the supplements even contained other chemicals that require medical prescriptions.
Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | Omny Studio “Because many sleep difficulties children experience can be fixed with behavioral changes, parents should help their child establish consistent bedtime routines and practice good sleep hygiene first, before turning to melatonin,” Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, chair of the AASM Public Safety Committee, said in an academy news release.
“If considering melatonin use, parents should consult with a health care professional before giving the supplement to their child to ensure proper dosage and timing," he advised. In addition to discussing melatonin with a health care provider before offering if to your child, keep your own melatonin out of reach of children.HealthDay has more on melatonin.Tags Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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