Dr. Curry-Winchell, also known as Dr. BCW, joins The Grio to discuss the alarming rise in emergency room visits for children who overdose on melatonin or who have ingested too much melatonin. There was a concerning surge in incidents between 2019 and 2022. But, Dr. BCW emphasizes the importance of safer alternatives to regulate children’s sleep cycles.
The urgency of the situation is clear. There have been thousands of cases where young children required emergency care due to melatonin ingestion. Parents often turn to melatonin to help manage their children’s sleep patterns. However, looking for solutions in over-the-counter supplements can be risky. Especially since many supplements may not be consistently regulated in terms of dosage.
Dr. BCW advises caution and recommends natural methods to establish a sleep routine for children rather than relying on medications. She points out that melatonin products, particularly gummies, can contain varying levels of the hormone. These levels are not regulated and pose a risk to young children. To prevent such risky outcomes, Dr. BCW underscores the creation of bedtime routines and the identification of natural sleep aids within the home environment that can assist in improving sleep without medication. This approach not only fosters healthier sleep habits but also eliminates the potential hazards associated with the unregulated consumption of melatonin supplements.
The message is clear: parents should explore healthy sleep solutions that do not depend on medicating children. Of course, if you do plan on using sleep aids with children, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider first.
By following Dr. BCW’s professional advice and prioritizing consistent bedtime rituals, caregivers can effectively support their children’s sleep health without exposing them to the dangers of excessive melatonin intake.
Find Dr. BCW’s interview on children’s melatonin overdose below:
