Pediatric melatonin consumption in the United States has risen more than fivefold since 2012, with related hospitalization increasing as well, according to data published Thursday in MMWR.
Melatonin is characterized in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and is widely used as an over-the-counter sleep aid. Its use has increased more than fivefold since 1999, with about 2.1% of adults reporting consumption in 2017 to 2018.
“Children are at increased risk for melatonin exposure because of the supplement’s widespread use and growing popularity as a sleep aid,” researchers wrote in