Melatonin gummies as sleep aids for children: What are the risks?

Parents desperate to get their children to sleep are resorting to melatonin gummies. Melatonin is a sleep hormone which is proving very effective. The trouble is the long-term side effects are not really known - and cases of melatonin overdose in children are on the rise. While the drug is only available on prescription in many countries, some parents are importing them from America - where they can be bought over-the-counter. Hear the full story on The world, the universe and us, a news podcast for the insatiably curious, hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet. Learn more⁠: https://www.newscientist.com/podcasts/ #Melatonin, #SleepDrugs, #MedicalRisks, #SciencePodcast, #Science, #ScienceFacts, #NewScientist, #Podcast