While melatonin may help you doze off and get a good night’s rest, you may want to think twice before giving the supplement to your child or teen. Increased melatonin overdoses and trips to the emergency room for children have prompted the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to issue a health advisory encouraging parents to consult with a health care professional before giving melatonin or any supplement to children.
Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone that is made in the brain and helps us regulate our sleep timing. Although some people may use extra melatonin to help improve their sleep, too much of it can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of a melatonin overdose can include headache, dizziness, and irritability, according to the AASM.
