Is Melatonin Safe for Children?

Ladybirdstudio / Shutterstock

Children need to keep their eyes closed enough to promote growth and development, but 15-25% of young people have difficulty falling asleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).. Sleep deprivation has many negative effects, from poor concentration to obesity and moody. As a result, some parents want to give their children sleep supplements like melatonin on restless nights. But are melatonin safe and have side effects in children? I consulted with an expert for more information.

How Does Melatonin Work?

Before you think of bedtime supplements as a parent, you need to understand your sleep cycle. The mechanism is as follows. At night, the brain begins to release melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which helps it fall asleep. When you need to wake up in the morning, melatonin almost stops. In essence, melatonin works by regulating the circadian rhythm, also known as the “internal clock.”

Supplements are a synthetic form of natural melatonin that usually tires children (or adults) within 30 minutes. They are available over the counter as gummies, pills, liquids, or chewable tablets.Studies show melatonin supplements Can help children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders fall asleep faster, and some studies have shown similar effects in typically developing children.

Is Melatonin Bad for Children?

Low doses of melatonin may be safe for children. That said, researchers are still unaware of the long-term side effects of taking any amount, even when needed. “Melatonin is a drug and should be considered that way,” says Judith Owens, MD, director of the Sleep Center at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Giving too much melatonin or giving it at the wrong time can be confusing Your child’s sleep schedule.. Dr. Owens also warns that OTC melatonin levels in supplements can fluctuate and may contain other chemicals such as serotonin. One study found that some chewable tablets claiming to contain 1.5 milligrams of melatonin weigh as much as 9 milligrams.

The story continues

In addition, some children may have side effects from taking melatonin, such as headache, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. Bedwetting, And drowsiness in the morning. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of melatonin in children.

Melatonin dose for children

Always talk Your child’s doctor Before giving them melatonin. They can help you decide if you need supplements and can also advise on dosage and timing. Most experts recommend starting with a low dose. It is typically about 1-2 milligrams for children 4-6 years old and 2-3 milligrams for children 6-12 years old. Melatonin should be used in the shortest possible time with other behavioral interventions.

Melatonin should not be given to children at midnight as it can ruin your sleep schedule if taken at the wrong time.Also, supplements can help children who have very difficulty falling asleep, but they cannot. stay I’m sleeping

How to Help Your Child Sleep — Without Melatonin

Before considering gummies, chewables, capsules, or liquid melatonin for children, it is advisable to try other methods to help your child sleep. If that doesn’t work, talk to your pediatrician about the next steps.

Find the root cause of restlessness. If your child is having a hard time calming down, ask yourself why. Are they worried about something? Are their bedtime too early? Perhaps they have sleep apnea Or restless legs? By identifying the cause, you can find an effective solution.

Sleep at the same time every night. Children may struggle with set bedtime, but having a predictable sleep schedule allows them to adjust their internal clock.

Create a bedtime routine. Help your child Relax before going to bed while meditating, Music, reading, or other healing activities. “The actual routine can be specific to your child and his or her age, but they should occur at about the same time each night.” According to AAP.. “This will help your child understand that it is time to calm down and prepare to sleep.”

Limit technology before bedtime.. Stop using the screen at least 1 hour before bedtime (light suppresses melatonin).

Get enough sleep. Aim to get your child to sleep 10-12 hours each night to prevent fatigue.

Conclusion

Melatonin, when taken with the approval of a doctor, may help resolve sleep problems in some children, especially when combined with other behavioral interventions. Still, supplements “should not be used as a substitute for good sleep habits. Maintain a bedtime routineEspecially if your child hasn’t been diagnosed with sleep problems, “says Dr. Owens.