Sleep Aids for Kids

Melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares the body for sleep. Typically, the body ramps up melatonin production when it becomes dark. People can also take melatonin supplements to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle. 

Melatonin supplements are most effective at moving sleep times earlier for people whose circadian rhythm, their internal 24-hour clock, naturally runs later than average. Although more research is needed on melatonin for children, evidence suggests that melatonin may also help children with insomnia, including those living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder.

Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?

Research on prolonged use of melatonin in children has not found evidence of significant side effects, though studies suggest melatonin supplements could interfere with a child’s development. Short-term side effects may include headaches, agitation, bedwetting, dizziness, and daytime sleepiness. Long-term, melatonin use may trigger early puberty Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source if a child stops taking the supplement.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not classify melatonin as a drug, so melatonin supplements are not closely regulated. Melatonin supplements may contain more or less melatonin than what is stated on the package, or they may contain unlisted ingredients.

Although melatonin is available over the counter, it is important to talk to a doctor before giving melatonin to any child. A doctor can determine whether melatonin is safe for their situation, particularly if they have other health conditions or take other medications. Experts also warn that it is not appropriate to give melatonin to a child who does not have sleep problems. 

Taking too much melatonin at once can create serious health risks Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source , so parents and caregivers should always store products with melatonin out of the reach of children. 

Melatonin Dosage for Kids

Melatonin dosage should always be determined by a child’s doctor. In general, experts recommend melatonin doses for children starting at 1 to 2 milligrams based on a child’s age and the reasons they have trouble sleeping. 

Children who frequently wake up during the night might do better with supplements that release melatonin more slowly instead of all at once. Questions about melatonin for children should be directed to a child’s doctor, who can help determine if it is necessary. 

Natural Supplements

For adults, natural supplements such as magnesium, L-theanine, chamomile, and valerian are often advertised to help with sleep problems. There is some limited evidence that l-theanine Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and valerian Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source may help improve sleep for children and teens. However, experts emphasize that there is not enough high-quality research to support using natural supplements for sleep.

Because they are classed as supplements and not drugs, natural sleep aids are not strictly regulated by the FDA, and they may contain impurities. Additionally, some natural substances, such as valerian and kava, have occasionally been tied to severe side effects in adults, such as liver injury. 

For these reasons, it is essential to always speak to a doctor before trying natural sleep aids for kids. The doctor may be able to provide information about finding reputable supplements, including melatonin. 

Medication

The FDA has not approved the use of any prescription or over-the-counter sleep medication for children under age 16. There is also not enough evidence to say whether pharmaceutical sleep aids are safe or effective for this age group. Experts specifically recommend against giving sleep aids to children younger than 5 years except in very rare circumstances. 

Sleep medications often have side effects, such as daytime sleepiness or altered sleep patterns. There is also the risk that a child might overdose or that the medication may exacerbate another health condition. Using medication for sleep on a long-term basis may lead the child to depend on that medication for falling asleep, causing rebound sleep problems when usage stops.

For these reasons, sleep medications should only be given to children after discussing their benefits and downsides with a pediatrician. Doctors may prescribe sleep medication in combination with behavioral therapy for children who have coexisting medical, neurodevelopmental, or mental health conditions. 

Parents and caregivers should tell the doctor if their child is taking any other medications or supplements in order to reduce the risk of any complications or drug interactions. 

More Ways to Improve Your Child’s Sleep 

Experts strongly recommend trying other methods to help children sleep before turning to sleep aids. Many childhood sleep problems can be addressed with behavioral changes and adjustments to the sleep environment.

Based on studies in adults, experts in sleep medicine believe that the benefits of behavior modifications last longer than the effects of sleep aids. Even when children take sleep aids, it is important to use behavioral techniques Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source as well. Teaching children healthy sleep habits can help set them up for better sleep throughout their life. 

Sleep patterns change throughout childhood and are different from person to person. Parents and caregivers can identify the recommended bedtimes and total sleep times for their child’s age group, which can help establish realistic expectations about their sleep. 

Improve Sleep Hygiene

Addressing the habits and behaviors that affect sleep is one of the first things doctors recommend if someone is having sleep problems. Examples of helpful sleep strategies for kids, including children and teens, include:

• Waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends
• Having a consistent bedtime and pre-bed routine
• Turning off screens in the leadup to bedtime
• Using the bed only for sleep 
• Getting out of bed and briefly doing something relaxing when having trouble falling asleep
• Taking shorter naps or napping earlier in the day
• Avoiding caffeine, including in soft drinks and chocolate 

Reduce Nighttime Distractions 

An important part of sleep hygiene involves optimizing the sleep environment. To facilitate better sleep, dim the lights in the leadup to bedtime, and keep the bedroom comfortably cool, dark, and quiet.

Create a Bedtime Routine

Keeping regular bedtimes and following a bedtime routine helps establish a regular pattern for a child’s daily sleep-wake cycle. A typical child’s bedtime routine lasts around half an hour and includes a set of predictable activities, such as getting ready for bed and then reading a story. 

If a toddler or older child feels anxious when an adult leaves their room, a stuffed animal or security blanket may provide comfort that helps them fall asleep.

Set Limits 

Establishing clear norms and rules about sleep can help facilitate a more consistent sleep schedule. This can help parents resist a child’s attempts to delay or stall bedtime. 

Sleep experts also recommend leaving the room before a young child is fully asleep, which can help them get accustomed to falling asleep on their own. Doctors can recommend a more specialized sleep training method to help young children learn to self-soothe.

Address Underlying Causes

Sleep problems sometimes occur due to sleep disorders, pain, or medications, which need to be properly addressed in their own right. If parents and caregivers suspect their child has an undiagnosed condition affecting their sleep, they should ask a pediatrician for guidance or for a referral to a specialist.

After years of having trouble falling asleep, older children may become anxious at the prospect of bedtime. These children may find it helpful to relieve sources of stress, improve sleep hygiene, or try cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.