It's important to note that while melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in children under the guidance of a healthcare professional, long-term effects and optimal dosages are still being studied.
Melatonin can cause drowsiness, which may persist into the following day, affecting a child's ability to concentrate and function normally.
Some children may experience headaches as a side effect of melatonin supplementation.
Nausea and even vomiting can occur in some children after taking melatonin.
Melatonin may affect mood swings, causing irritability, sadness, or other changes in behavior.
Since melatonin is a hormone, there is a possibility of disrupting other hormonal processes in the body, although this is not well understood in children.
Some children may experience intense dreams or nightmares after taking melatonin.
Although rare, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling can occur in response to melatonin.
Melatonin can lower body temperature, potentially causing children to feel cold or experience chills.
There is limited research suggesting that melatonin supplementation may affect the onset of puberty in children, but more studies are needed to fully understand this potential side effect.
There have been reports of an increase in bedwetting episodes in children who take melatonin.