Despite occasionally not wanting to go to bed, most kids (and most adults) fall asleep without much trouble. Melatonin is now a frequently advised supplement for some kids who struggle to get to sleep. Melatonin is generally effective, safe (even after prolonged use), and easily accessible (it even comes in gummies for children).
But are you wondering if melatonin is safe for children? Yes, it is effective as well as safe for kids. In this article, we will discuss in detail melatonin for kids.Â
What Is Melatonin?
Your body naturally produces the hormone melatonin. In general, melatonin levels in the brain fluctuate in opposition to daylight, rising when it becomes darker and falling when it gets lighter. However, it is a little more difficult. Although not all of its protective effects on the brain are fully understood, the hormone melatonin appears to have several significant protective benefits. The sleep-wake cycle becoming more regular is one of the main effects.
When Should It Be Taken?
Melatonin dosage depends on timing. It must be consumed one to four hours before the anticipated time of sleep to gently alert the brain that night has fallen. Melatonin helps regulate the “circadian clock,” but when taken out of the cycle—that is, at other times during the day or too late at night—it has little to no effect.
Is melatonin safe for children?
Parents’ apprehension is understandable in this situation. You could find conflicting information online if you browse, with some experts sounding the alarm and others claiming it is safe.
When administered correctly, melatonin generally appears to have just a few minor adverse effects in children, such as headaches, increased bedwetting, nightmares, dizziness, mood swings, and morning grogginess, all of which go away when the medication is stopped. Nevertheless, there are still issues because melatonin might impact the hormones linked to puberty, according to studies done on animals. Although there is minimal evidence to support this in humans, there haven’t yet been any lengthy clinical trials that could definitively answer the topic.
Conclusion
Melatonin should only be used under a doctor’s care, and dosage instructions should be followed. If your child has substantial trouble falling asleep and when it is taken in conjunction with behavioral therapies and healthy sleep habits, melatonin is likely to have the least risk and the most benefits. Finally, handle melatonin as you would a prescription medication and store it out of the reach of youngsters since that is not its intended use. It is best to put it in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf. Never describe any kind of medication as candy!
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