CDC data shows a 530% increase in calls to poison control for melatonin overdoses in kids over the last decade. Most cases involve children under 5, who mistake melatonin gummies for candy.
Why this matters for a child’s brain:
Melatonin is a hormone made in the brain’s pineal gland to regulate sleep.
When too much is ingested, especially in little ones, it can lead to:
- Excessive sleepiness or unresponsiveness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- (Rarely) Seizures
While melatonin is sometimes recommended in carefully controlled doses for children with specific sleep disorders, it is not a “vitamin” and should never be left within a child’s reach.
Here is what you can do –
✅ Store securely – Treat melatonin like any other medication.
✅ Avoid self-dosing – Always consult a doctor before giving it to your child.
✅ Check labels carefully – Some gummies contain more melatonin than prescribed.
✅ Be alert to additives – Many products also contain herbal mixes that may have their own side effects.
💡Natural sleep habits such as a consistent bedtime routine, dimming lights in the evening, and reducing screen time are the safest, most effective first step.