Is 6 mg of melatonin unsafe for a 47lb child?

[Anonymous]

I never gave my children melatonin. They slept just fine. Let them play and give them work to do, and they'll tire themselves out. I have six children, ages 17-30. I believe in using work and play, not melatonin or any other sleep aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We do .5 for our daughter once in a while. It's not supposed to be a daily thing - studies have shown that there may be hormonal interferences. I am an adult and I take 5 MG a night.

this is what our pediatrician said. 6 is way too much

[Anonymous]

Echoing that as a one time thing, she'll be fine. But I wouldn't use it all the time.

We also do .5mg when we need to for our kids. Jet lag, DST, or when they need to room share and can't sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never gave my children melatonin. They slept just fine. Let them play and give them work to do, and they'll tire themselves out. I have six children, ages 17-30. I believe in using work and play, not melatonin or any other sleep aid.

Sorry but this is ignorant. I have four extremely active kids. One has a sleep disorder. Your anecdote means nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.npr.org/2022/06/03/1102933012/melatonin-poisoning-kids-sleep-aid-overdose

It is also highly ineffective and not studied to be safe for children in the long-term. stop using it. use things like magnesium or tart cherry juice.

this link is about accidental overdoses because it got left out. Not saying it’s not effective

There are no long-term studies about safety or correct dosage. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/is-melatonin-safe-for-kids https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/parenting/melatonin-sleep-kids.html

It should not be used for anything other than irregular sleep disruptions and only in the short-term, if at all, for neurotypical children. If your child is having that many issues falling asleep you need to get a sleep study, a neuropsych exam, limit TV or use blue light blockers, try a bedtime snack (one with protein, some carbs, and foods with natural melatonin like cherries or bananas) and manage expectations around sleep. The worst thing to happen to kids sleep are the mommy bloggers and sleep trainers who make it seem like every kid must be in bed by 7pm and/or sleep 12 hours overnight.

They arent even regulated so you have no idea what dose is being provided. Its ridiculous to give a child some OTC product and not be willing to do anything else. There is no way 15-30% of kids need melatonin to fall asleep- its not the kids who are the problem.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should’ve called Poison Control immediately. Did you?

[Anonymous]

that's a ton of melatonin - even for an adult

[Anonymous]

Holy crap! Our kids are 40-50lb and they take .5mg

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never gave my children melatonin. They slept just fine. Let them play and give them work to do, and they'll tire themselves out. I have six children, ages 17-30. I believe in using work and play, not melatonin or any other sleep aid.

Sorry but this is ignorant. I have four extremely active kids. One has a sleep disorder. Your anecdote means nothing.

Your child has a dx sleep disorder. Completely different ball game than the parents who dose their kid with melatonin so that they can have 7-10pm by themselves because all kids must go to bed at 7pm.

[Anonymous]

6mg is way too much for any of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.npr.org/2022/06/03/1102933012/melatonin-poisoning-kids-sleep-aid-overdose

It is also highly ineffective and not studied to be safe for children in the long-term. stop using it. use things like magnesium or tart cherry juice.

Why is anyone even giving children something to make them sleep? This is terrible.

[Anonymous]

It’s fine, but why 2mg? That’s a lot. I’m an adult and do fine with 1mg. A child can use less.

[Anonymous]

We did a sleep study and saw the head of sleep medicine at Childrens. She recommended indefinite melatonin use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.npr.org/2022/06/03/1102933012/melatonin-poisoning-kids-sleep-aid-overdose

It is also highly ineffective and not studied to be safe for children in the long-term. stop using it. use things like magnesium or tart cherry juice.

Why is anyone even giving children something to make them sleep? This is terrible.

If you have never had a child with autism or a sleep disorder, then you just don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.npr.org/2022/06/03/1102933012/melatonin-poisoning-kids-sleep-aid-overdose

It is also highly ineffective and not studied to be safe for children in the long-term. stop using it. use things like magnesium or tart cherry juice.

Why is anyone even giving children something to make them sleep? This is terrible.

If you have never had a child with autism or a sleep disorder, then you just don't get it.

RIGHT but you have a diagnosis of neurotypical and/or a sleep disorder. COMPLETELY different.