It is a simple spray, with the so-called magic virtues. The Pschitt of Melatonin, a new “it-product” in pharmacies, seems to seduce the French … and their children. But is this little bottle devoid of any risk? Here is what Dr. Jonathan Taieb, a specialist in sleep specialist in the Sleep Institute (Paris), thinks.
Practical and fun sprays
“”No more endlessly endlessly and the nights interspersed with awakenings! The melatonin spray allows you not to wake up in the middle of the night.“This type of slogan praising the benefits of the little Pschitt is frequent in store or online. Said spray, practical and fun (vanilla, mint, verbena taste …), seems to combine qualities to the point of seducing the whole family.
“”You pschit directly on the language and that has a quarter of an hour“, Reveals a mother in the columns of the Parisian.”It is not at all something systematic, it is rather random. It is even they (his two daughters) who ask “, she continues.
The problem ? Giving melatonin to a young child is not really recommended. The national union of food supplements also advises against the use of these “boosts” in several situations and notably in children.
According to experts from the agency, the use of melatonin should remain exceptional and strictly supervised by a healthcare professional, and not used as a systematic solution to sleeping problems. An opinion, which Dr. Jonathan Taieb shares.
Complements that do not regulate sleep disorders
Although melatonin is easily accessible in pharmacies, its use in young children has risks.
“Admittedly, their punctual use and on medical advice can have an interest. But it must be justified”, indicates the doctor. Indeed, if the use of food supplements has become a real social phenomenon, “Those based on melatonin presented in attractive marketing forms (gummies, sprays …) do not solve sleeping problems”, confirms the specialist.
Sold in free access and devoid of control, “They even expose consumers to a risk of bad dosage”, he warns.
And on the side of toddlers? Since these sprays are available without a prescription, some parents sometimes give their children abundantly … while they naturally secrete melatonin.
“A secretion which can however be easily improved by a good sleep routine. Hygiene of life is completely central: irregular schedules during the week, late leverse on weekends, rituals to sleep nonexistent or even the use of screens … are all factors that block the secretion of melatonin and disturb sleep. Or, this hormone plays an essential role in biological and falling asleep “, Recalls Dr. Jonathan Taieb.
In summary therefore, these sprays or gummies – seen on television or in the press – are full of “false promises“.
“The quality of the products remains very variable and from a profit/risk point of view, we do not deal with the real problem. It is better to wonder why his child has trouble falling asleep!”, concludes the doctor.