Ep 3: Melatonin: helpful or harmful for children? Amy Gelfand MD, Pediatric Neurologist

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Ep 3 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr. Amy Gelfand, pediatric neurologist and we discuss the potential benefits and side effects about melatonin and its use with kids.   Many over-the-counter products with melatonin are being marketed as a sleep aid for children, but what do we know about these products? Are they safe for children? Does melatonin help children sleep? Does it help treat pediatric headaches? Are there side effects?  Is it possible for kids to get dependent on these products? We discuss all of this and more!

Dr Gelfand is an accomplished pediatric neurologist and headache specialist, and she has researched melatonin and children--exploring melatonin as a means to prevent pediatric headaches (see her publication links below).  

Dr. Gelfand attended Harvard Medical School, and completed her Pediatric Residency and Child Neurology training at UCSF.  She is a board certified Child Neurologist and is currently the Director of Pediatric Headache at UCSF.  

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.