Geez. I couldn’t quite believe this so I asked Grok who said: Yes, the claim is true, based on multiple credible news reports from October 2024.

In September 2024, parents of preschool students at Northgate Crossing Elementary School in Spring Independent School District (Spring, Texas—a public school with a pre-K program) discovered that staff had allegedly been applying transdermal patches (referred to by the children as “sleepy stickers”) to help them nap. These patches, identified as Klova Sleep Z Patches (or similar brands like Sleep Z Patch), contain melatonin (typically 3mg per patch) along with other ingredients like ashwagandha, valerian root, and hops. They are over-the-counter adult sleep aids, not approved or recommended for young children.

The discovery happened exactly as described: A 4-year-old girl (named Layne in reports) brought one home (or showed it to her mother while still on her body), prompting her mom, Lisa Luviano, to research it online and recognize it as a sleep aid patch. Other parents confirmed their children received them too, with kids describing them as making them sleepy during nap time. Parents reported no consent was given, and some noticed behavioral changes in their children.

The school district placed four staff members (two teachers and two aides) on administrative leave, launched an investigation with Spring ISD Police, and stated that administering any medication or supplement without proper procedures violates policy. No reported serious harm to children occurred, but experts note melatonin isn’t recommended for kids under 5 due to potential side effects.

This story was widely covered by outlets like KHOU (local Houston CBS affiliate), ABC News, TODAY.com, People, UPI, and others. It’s not a hoax or misinformation—though similar incidents (e.g., melatonin gummies in other Texas districts) have happened before.

The viral posts circulating now (including recent X shares) are recapping this 2024 event.