Melatonin for kid sleep
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
Both of my kids are terrible sleepers and I had tried all sorts of things to improve bedtime — no screens, just reading, calm music, and breathing exercises. But about a week ago, our pediatrician asked if we’d tried melatonin. We had not! I bought some 1mg gummies and our lives have completely changed. The kids love the gummies and ask for them, then they are super sleepy at bedtime and conk right out. They’re in way better moods during the day now too.
Will it stay like this? I feel like an idiot for not trying melatonin earlier. |
Anonymous
| Try magnesium instead. Melatonin isn’t the ideal fix it claims to be - especially for children. I’d really look into what melatonin is and its safety profile for kids. And if it’s something you want them on forever, b/c it’s really not doing anything to support the actual issue of disordered sleep , it’s just a band aid. |
Anonymous
| Agree to look into magnesium sleep aids as a longer term fix, due to the reasons the PP stated above. We do use melatonin occasionally, particularly when traveling over time zones, but from what I have researched it is not a safe fix for regular use in kids. |
Anonymous
| My psychiatrist has told me (for self) it’s okay for a few nights but you don’t want to stay on it because it can affect your body’s ability to produce natural melatonin. |
Anonymous
| Agree to try magnesium and see if that helps. But also if you use melatonin, try a fraction of the dose. We use melatonin on occasion, and only give 1/4 of a 0.5mg gummy, still works. |
Anonymous
| We have been using it for our 7 yo for a couple of years now on the separate advice our ped and psychiatrist. Very common among kids with ASD and there is research to support it in this population. Sleep is so important. If it is working I would keep it up. It still works though her bedtime has gotten later |
Anonymous
| Melatonin is a hormone. If your ped prescribed it, then fine. Otherwise, not recommended. |
Anonymous
| DP. What magnesium supplements do you use for your kid(s)? |
Anonymous
| We use natural vitality and hiya. Hiya seems like one of the best brands available but it’s on the more expensive side and I like to rotate brands every so often anyway. |
Anonymous
| nothing wrong with melatonin. A lot of people don’t make themselves and it has been found to have a Neuroprotective effect |