For most of us we find our infants and toddlers waking us at 5 am with the time change that happened with Daylight Savings. Parents ask me whether Melatonin is an option and safe for their infant. It is IF used correctly.
Perspectives on the safety of melatonin in kids varies widely but for short-term use, it appears to have a wide safety margin. I never recommend it for long-term use due to the lack of research on its long term safety. Dosing is also not straight forward as a little melatnonin can go a long ways. AND too much melatonin over a period of time may inhibit its effect. I remind parents that Melatonin is only available with a prescription in the European Union or Australia.
More importantly, good sleep habits can go a long way in helping kids get a good night’s rest. You can read more on my sleep blog found here. (https://askdrvivi.com/sleep-and-the-missing-sheep/)
MELATONIN: It is a hormone produced by the brain that plays a role in sleep. Every child reacts differently to melatonin, so talk to you doctor before using it.
SIDE EFFECTS: blood pressure changes, drowsiness, sweating, vision problem, nightmares, joint and belly pain. It also lowers the threshold for seizures in “at risk” children.
Perspectives on the safety of melatonin in kids varies widely but for short-term use, it appears to have a wide safety margin. I do not recommend long-term use in children due to the lack of research on long term safety.
More importantly, good sleep habits can go a long way in helping kids get a good night’s rest.
DOSING: Max dose should only be 3 mg for children less than 88 lbs 40kg and 5 mg for children more than 88 lbs /40 kg. Not everyone responds to melatonin so don’t increase above these amounts before you switch brands or discuss with your doctor. It is a hormone (!) so lower doses are sometimes more effective than higher doses.
To help get your kids in bed at a certain hour, dose 30-60 minutes before the desired bedtime.
I often am comfortable adding in melatonin after the age of 3 and only at 0.5 mg. It is then possible to increase by 0.5- 1 mg every 3-5 days to the maximum dose or until the desired effect is achieved. Some children may need a dose several hours before bed. If you are using it for more than a week you need to talk to your Pediatrician or a sleep specialist.
Choose brands that are approved by US standards. Pure Zzzs, Natrol, and Zarbees are a few you can trust. Do not use “natural melatonin” as this is derived from pig or cow and is not safe.
This is a great link by a Yale Sleep Specialist https://drcraigcanapari.com/should-my-child-take…/
