melatonin – Dr. Barry Dworkin

Behavioral training and therapy is always the preferred first choice for many children who are having difficulty falling sleeping. Melatonin commonly taken by kids not a magic bullet, pediatricians say.

December 6, 2023

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for December 7, 2023 Source:Melatonin commonly taken by kids not a magic bullet, pediatricians say Reference:Characteristics of Melatonin Use Among US Children and Adolescents
Reports of melatonin poisoning in kids have spiked dramatically. Because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, other compounds/contaminants/mislabelling that might contribute to this outcome remain unknown.

May 4, 2023

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for May 4, 2023 Source:Reports of melatonin poisoning in kids have spiked dramatically Reference:Melatonin Natural Health Products and Supplements: Presence of Serotonin and Significant Variability of Melatonin Content
Weighted blankets for improved sleep? Small study shows increase in melatonin level with use. Study duration was one day and people were young and healthy. No causal link. More investigations required.

October 4, 2022

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for October 4, 2022 Source:Weighted blankets found to increase melatonin Reference:A weighted blanket increases pre-sleep salivary concentrations of melatonin in young, healthy adults
Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms | CTV News. Quality control is poor and contaminants noted in some products. Little evidence that long-term use confers a benefit.

February 3, 2022

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for February 3, 2022 Source:Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms Reference:Trends in Use of Melatonin Supplements Among US Adults, 1999-2018
Melatonin use generally safe but some people are exceeding recommended dose. It can help for jet lag but little evidence that it helps for other sleep disorders/problems.

April 10, 2019

Health Headlines Commentary for April 10, 2019 Source: Experts warn of risks of taking melatonin to help you sleep
Forgetting that a developing child's brain can be negatively affected by OTC products like melatonin

September 18, 2015

Madely Health Headlines Commentary for September 18, 2015 Source: Melatonin use in children with sleep problem raises concerns

Behavioral training and therapy is always the preferred first choice for many children who are having difficulty falling sleeping. Melatonin commonly taken by kids not a magic bullet, pediatricians say.

Reports of melatonin poisoning in kids have spiked dramatically. Because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, other compounds/contaminants/mislabelling that might contribute to this outcome remain unknown.

Weighted blankets for improved sleep? Small study shows increase in melatonin level with use. Study duration was one day and people were young and healthy. No causal link. More investigations required.

Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms | CTV News. Quality control is poor and contaminants noted in some products. Little evidence that long-term use confers a benefit.

Melatonin use generally safe but some people are exceeding recommended dose. It can help for jet lag but little evidence that it helps for other sleep disorders/problems.

Forgetting that a developing child's brain can be negatively affected by OTC products like melatonin