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A member asked:
Is melatonin safe to give to young children to help fall asleep? as well as other calming herbs like those found in teas?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: Melatonin is safe and has been studied in children, with almost no side effects until the dose is over 8mg. If your child suffers from sleep disturbances such as insomnia start with 2.5mg, 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. You can increase dose in 2.5mg increments up to 7.5 mg if it is not working. Melatonin is not fda regulated so product quality can vary. Teas are fine too.
Answered 8/26/2013
4.9k views
No proven safety: Melatonin, hormone produced by pineal gland, appears to be linked to the body's sleep/wake cycle.Release of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Not enough studies have been performed on children about side effects of melatonin.. It also plays role in the way person's body matures sexually. Common side effects are daytime sleepiness, dizziness and headaches.
Answered 8/26/2013
4.9k views
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