Inside Health Is it safe to give kids melatonin?
Aug 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Paul Gringras, a leading expert in children's sleep medicine, discusses the increasing trend of melatonin use among children and the limited research on its long-term effects. He delves into the benefits and risks of this sleep aid, particularly for those with ADHD and autism. The dialogue also uncovers community support for families struggling with sleep issues and tackles the intriguing balance of AI in healthcare, questioning its impact on patient care. Plus, a surprising look into the myths surrounding placenta consumption highlights the need for informed choices.
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What Melatonin Actually Does
- Melatonin is a powerful hormone produced by the pineal gland that signals the body to prepare for sleep.
- It helps shift circadian timing but does not simply 'knock you out' like a sedative.
Founder’s Personal Sleep Struggle
- Vicki Beevers founded The Sleep Charity after her son never slept and she received no effective support.
- She was prescribed antidepressants while the core issue—child sleep—went unaddressed for years.
Use Melatonin Only After Behavioural Steps
- Reserve melatonin for children with diagnosed neurological issues who fail behavioural approaches first.
- Balance potential harms against clear benefits and seek specialist guidance before prescribing.