WHAT HEELS: Daycare Workers Allegedly Gave Sleep Aid To Children At Nap Time
Springfield Township (OH) police are investigating allegations that some daycare providers at Covenant Apostolic Church Daycare spiked candy with the over-the-counter dietary supplement melatonin and gave it to some of the children at nap time, reports The Associated Press:
Police have sent a letter to parents and guardians of children who attend the day care, informing them of the investigation. …
The letter said the information was being provided to parents and guardians so that they could "take whatever actions you deem necessary to protect your child or children in the event that they were given melatonin on one or more occasions." It suggested parents or guardians contact their family physician or the Poison Control Center if they have questions about the effects of melatonin. …
Possible side effects include dizziness, abdominal discomfort, headaches, confusion, sleepwalking and nightmares. …
[L]ong-term effects of melatonin are not known and it may not be safe for anyone who is pregnant, breast-feeding or younger than age 20.
It is possible to overdose on melatonin, and the sleep-aid may reduce the effectiveness of anti-epilepsy drugs, as well as make it more difficult for children with type 1 diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels tightly controlled.
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