Scientists from the University of Colorado said that sleeping pills containing melatonin may not be safe for children. Research results published In JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association).
Melatonin is a hormone that is the main regulator of the circadian rhythm of all living organisms. It is produced by the pineal gland. There are drugs that contain synthetic analogues of melatonin. They are used to eliminate insomnia and accelerate falling asleep.
A study of nearly a thousand American families with children found that 18.5% of children ages five to nine took periodic melatonin supplements. Among youth ages 10 to 13, that number rose to 19.4%. In addition, sometimes parents give such supplements to preschoolers, children from one to four years old. Scientists also found that the dose of melatonin medications increases as the child ages. Preschoolers get 0.25 to 2 milligrams and younger children get up to 10 milligrams.
The authors of the study warn that such self-medication can negatively affect children’s health; The safety of melatonin-based medications has not been proven. Sometimes medicines (including those intended for children) contain more active ingredients than indicated on the package. Some studies have shown that such medications may affect the timing of puberty. Additionally, the substance can be toxic in large doses.
Scientists emphasized that such drugs only mask the real causes of sleep problems in children. To eliminate insomnia, you need to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations.
existed before discovered The link between insomnia and dementia.