- Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates our sleep cycle, is increasingly used by parents for their children's sleep, often sourced online or from the US, despite being prescription-only in the UK.
- Concerns have arisen over unregulated melatonin products, with some found to contain vastly different doses than advertised, leading to safety warnings and accidental overdoses in children.
- Experts highlight the risks of using unregulated supplements, noting that melatonin can mask underlying medical conditions contributing to sleep difficulties.
- Limited long-term research exists on melatonin's effects on children, with potential concerns regarding hormone development and psychological dependence.
- Instead of melatonin, experts recommend natural solutions such as establishing consistent sleep routines, optimising light exposure, considering diet, and addressing individual chronotypes.
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