Children can suffer with sleep disorders just like adults can. This can affect their behavior and their school performance. Outside of serious health concerns, sleep problems are not a serious threat. Unfortunately, there are no FDA approved prescription medications to help children who have trouble falling or staying asleep. There is a natural treatment that can help your child have a better sleep pattern. By taking a melatonin supplement, your child can finally sleep peacefully again.
To ensure your child is taking the proper Melatonin dosage for children, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor or a pharmacist. In a study performed in 2003, it was found children had no major reactions or side-effects to the melatonin supplement. One study followed children for three years while they were taking this supplement. It was found none suffered with any serious complications and around 88% found the supplement helped their sleep issues.
In the study, participants took a range of doses between 0.5 and 9 milligrams. The amount your child will need to take will depend on their age, weight and sleep issues. Since melatonin is naturally manufactured in the body, it generally does not cause any adverse reactions and is safe for most children to take. You should plan on starting at the lowest dose and increasing it until you get positive results.
If your child has any major health concerns or is on prescription medication, it may be a good idea to ask about melatonin usage when they see the doctor. This will help to prevent any drug interactions and will help to ensure melatonin will be safe for your child. Through various studies, it was found melatonin was most effective when taken thirty to sixty minutes before the child plans on laying down to go to sleep.
If your child is suffering from insomnia because of ADHD or other problems, behavioral therapy is typically not effective. Instead, try using melatonin and see if it will be helpful for your child’s sleep needs. With the right dose and time, your child can overcome sleep problems and become healthier and have more energy.