Are Hiya Nighttime Vitamins Safe? A Parent's Guide to Kids' Sleep Supplements

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 review from Innerbody, Hiya's Bedtime Essentials—a melatonin-free, sugar-free chewable—appears to be a suitable option for many children over age two, but with some considerations. So, are Hiya nighttime vitamins safe? This guide explores the details parents need to know to make an informed decision for their family.

Quick Summary

Review of Hiya's Bedtime Essentials, a melatonin-free supplement for children. Examines the safety of its calming ingredients and the brand's quality controls while discussing potential side effects and expert recommendations.

Key Points

Melatonin-Free Formula: Hiya's Bedtime Essentials is formulated without melatonin, relying on natural ingredients like L-theanine, GABA, and chamomile to support relaxation.
Extensive Third-Party Testing: The company states that every batch is independently tested for heavy metals and contaminants to ensure product purity and safety.
Clean and Sugar-Free: The vitamins are sweetened with monk fruit and mannitol, avoiding added sugars and artificial additives found in many gummy vitamins.
Consult a Pediatrician: It is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional before giving any new supplement to your child, especially given some conflicting heavy metal reports.
Potential for Side Effects: While rare, some children may experience minor digestive issues from the sugar alcohols or, anecdotally, paradoxical hyperactivity.
Non-FDA Approved: Like all dietary supplements, Hiya vitamins are not approved by the FDA, although they are made in CGMP-certified facilities.
Taste and Texture Varies: The chewable tablet's texture and taste may not be palatable for all children, potentially impacting consistency.

The Appeal of Melatonin-Free Sleep Supplements

Many parents are looking for alternatives to melatonin to support their children's bedtime routines. Hiya's Bedtime Essentials is a popular melatonin-free chewable for kids aged two and up, designed to aid relaxation and winding down without using melatonin. Its clean, sugar-free formula, sweetened with monk fruit and mannitol, is a key feature. Understanding the ingredients, safety, and potential side effects is essential.

The Ingredients in Hiya's Nighttime Essentials

Hiya's Bedtime Essentials includes seven key ingredients known for their calming properties. The product is drug-free and non-habit forming. The ingredients are:

Vitamin B6: Supports neurotransmitter production for a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
Magnesium: Promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system.
L-theanine: Found in green tea, it helps increase relaxing neurotransmitters without causing drowsiness.
GABA: A neurotransmitter that helps create a calming effect in the brain.
Chamomile Flower Extract: A natural remedy with gentle sedative properties.
Calcium: Involved in the brain's production of melatonin.
Choline: Supports brain health.

How Hiya Addresses Quality and Safety

Hiya prioritizes safety with measures like third-party testing. They use CGMP-certified facilities and are Clean Label Project Certified, testing for contaminants like heavy metals. The company states that every batch is tested for heavy metals and meets safety standards, including California's Proposition 65. They note that trace heavy metals occur naturally, and their levels are well below safety benchmarks.

However, a review by tamararubin.com reported detectable levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in a Hiya multivitamin batch using its own testing methods. Hiya maintains its compliance with regulations and independent testing standards. This disagreement shows the complexities of supplement testing and the importance of consulting a healthcare professional.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While generally safe for children aged two and older, Hiya's Bedtime Essentials can have potential side effects:

Digestive Upset: Sugar alcohols like mannitol and monk fruit may cause mild gas or bloating in sensitive children.
Paradoxical Effects: Some anecdotal reports suggest increased energy or hyperactivity instead of calm.
Allergens: The product contains coconut, although made in a peanut-free facility. Parents with children's allergies should check the label.
Taste and Texture: The chewable tablet's taste or powdery texture might not be appealing to all children.
Pediatrician Consultation: Always consult a pediatrician before starting any new supplement, especially if your child has health conditions or takes other medications.

Comparison: Hiya Nighttime vs. Melatonin Supplements

Here's a comparison to help parents decide:


Feature	Hiya Bedtime Essentials	Traditional Kids' Melatonin Supplements
Active Ingredient	Melatonin-free blend of natural compounds (L-theanine, GABA, Chamomile)	Synthetic melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle
Safety Concerns	Generally safe; minor risks of digestive upset, potential hyperactivity (anecdotal), and allergen exposure (coconut)	Concerns regarding long-term safety, potential dependency, and risk of accidental overdose
Regulatory Status	FDA does not approve dietary supplements, but product is third-party tested and CGMP compliant	FDA does not regulate potency or purity; significant discrepancies between label and actual content have been found in studies
Habit Formation	Designed to be non-habit forming	Possible risk of habituation with regular use in children
Purpose	Supports natural wind-down and relaxation before bed	Directly induces sleep onset

How to Introduce Hiya Nighttime Vitamins

If you choose to use Hiya's Bedtime Essentials, follow these tips:

Consult a Pediatrician: Discuss the supplement with your child's doctor first.
Start Slowly: Give one chewable 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime as part of a routine.
Monitor for Effects: Watch for changes in sleep, behavior, and any side effects.
Incorporate into Routine: Pair the vitamin with a calming activity.
Store Safely: Keep the childproof bottle out of reach to prevent overconsumption.

Conclusion: The Safety Verdict on Hiya Nighttime Vitamins

In summary, are Hiya nighttime vitamins safe? With a focus on clean, melatonin-free ingredients and third-party testing, Hiya Bedtime Essentials appears generally safe for most children aged two and up, offering an alternative to melatonin. The formula contains natural calming ingredients and avoids added sugars.

However, be aware of potential digestive upset or rare hyperactivity. The conflicting reports on heavy metal testing underscore the need for research and professional advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new supplement. Hiya offers a product prioritizing safety and transparency, but individual responses vary. More information on ingredients and testing can be found on their quality page. [https://hiyahealth.com/pages/quality-and-third-party-testing-heavy-metals-testing-lead]

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiya's nighttime vitamins, called Bedtime Essentials, are chewable, melatonin-free tablets designed to help children relax and wind down before bed. They contain a blend of calming ingredients like L-theanine, GABA, magnesium, and chamomile.

Hiya's Bedtime Essentials are melatonin-free because the company and many experts have concerns regarding melatonin's long-term safety, potential for overdose, and dependency in children.

Hiya states it conducts rigorous third-party testing on every batch for heavy metals and contaminants, with results meeting strict safety standards. However, one independent report from tamararubin.com found detectable levels in a multivitamin batch, leading to conflicting claims that highlight the importance of consulting a pediatrician.

While anecdotal, some parents have reported their children experiencing an increase in energy or hyperactivity after taking the bedtime supplement. This is not a typical reaction, but monitoring your child is important when starting any new supplement.

No dietary supplements, including Hiya vitamins, are FDA approved. However, Hiya is manufactured in CGMP-compliant facilities and undergoes third-party testing to ensure quality and safety.

The Bedtime Essentials are free from many common allergens, but they do contain coconut. It is important to check the ingredient list carefully if your child has known allergies.

Hiya recommends giving the Bedtime Essentials 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime as part of a consistent nightly routine. Individual effectiveness can vary, and it may take some time for effects to become apparent.