Millions of kids take melatonin but doctors are raising red flags

Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies.

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Fathers’ tobacco use linked to metabolic changes in their children

A new study in mice suggests that a father’s nicotine exposure could influence the metabolic health of his children. Researchers found that when male mice consumed nicotine, their offspring showed changes in how their bodies handled sugar, including differences in insulin and glucose levels and altered liver function. These shifts may be linked to a higher risk of diabetes and related metabolic diseases.

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Fathers’ tobacco use linked to metabolic changes in their children

A new study in mice suggests that a father’s nicotine exposure could influence the metabolic health of his children. Researchers found that when male mice consumed nicotine, their offspring showed changes in how their bodies handled sugar, including differences in insulin and glucose levels and altered liver function. These shifts may be linked to a higher risk of diabetes and related metabolic diseases.

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Teens sleep longer and perform better when school starts later

Teenagers naturally fall asleep later, which makes early school start times a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation. Researchers studying a Swiss high school that introduced flexible start times found that students overwhelmingly chose to begin later—and ended up sleeping about 45 minutes longer each school night. The extra rest led to fewer sleep problems, better well-being, and improved academic performance.

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Teens sleep longer and perform better when school starts later

Teenagers naturally fall asleep later, which makes early school start times a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation. Researchers studying a Swiss high school that introduced flexible start times found that students overwhelmingly chose to begin later—and ended up sleeping about 45 minutes longer each school night. The extra rest led to fewer sleep problems, better well-being, and improved academic performance.

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