Did you know that roughly 30% of youngsters suffer from a sleep disorder? Nightmares, insomnia, or troubles falling asleep are the most prevalent modifications that, in turn, have a tremendous influence on the small ones’ emotional stability and cognitive performance.
For this reason, more and more parents are turning to quick and efficient methods to help their children sleep, such as melatonin pills.
Easily accessible over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, melatonin pills are an affordable choice for any parent whose child has difficulty sleeping.
This explains why their usage has grown so fast in our culture, even though most parents who buy them do not honestly know how they function.
What are melatonin supplements, and how do they act in the body?
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in our body, mainly in the pineal gland, a microscopic organ situated in the diencephalon. Its main job is to govern the circadian rhythm and our natural sleep and wake cycle. Thus, when the sun begins to set, the hormone levels build slowly, strengthening sleep signals and preparing our body for rest, while its levels drop and our body is activated as it dawns.
However, owing to the impact of white lights at nightfall, the increase in cortisol levels as a consequence of stressful activities such as playing video games, the absorption of stimulating meals, or other causes, the management of melatonin levels may be disturbed and create sleep difficulties.
In these instances, melatonin pills become an “artificial” option to boost the amounts of this hormone externally and encourage night rest.
Melatonin pills act pretty similarly to their natural namesake. Once eaten, melatonin levels increase, the body prepares for rest, respiration slows, muscles increasingly relax, and eyelids close.
Unlike sleeping drugs, melatonin supplements do not have an immediate impact, nor do they act throughout the day, but operate as a support to better fall asleep at night.
This is because they operate as regulators of the sleep-wake cycle. In other words, they synchronize the body with the time of day, changing the circadian cycle.
Hence, many parents often resort to them as a more “natural” alternative to sleeping drugs to assist children in falling asleep sooner and sleeping better at night.
Mixed viewpoints, what specialists believe about the usage of melatonin
Many doctors recommend using melatonin tablets to address sleep disturbances in youngsters. Melatonin medication in children has been reported to decrease sleep latency, that is, the time it takes to fall asleep, by between 11 and 50 minutes.
Its usage also helps regulate the circadian rhythm in youngsters while enhancing the quality of slumber. For this reason, many physicians advise its usage to alleviate insomnia or other sleep issues in childhood.
However, the reality is that there are several shadows concerning the utilization of melatonin tablets in youngsters.
The consequences of long-term usage of melatonin, or whether its advantages outweigh its prospective hazards, are not known with confidence.
Also, contrary to what many parents assume, melatonin is not a natural supplement but a hormone that can produce multiple adverse effects in small ones, ranging from sleepiness and headaches to restlessness and increased bedwetting. It can potentially create hazardous interactions with some drugs.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises that its usage might induce long-term hormonal abnormalities in children.
Similarly, studies conducted in the United States on melatonin content in these supplements have revealed that actual concentrations may differ from those listed on the label and may contain other substances. One of them is serotonin without labeling, a hormone that can harm children even at low levels.
Hence, more and more professionals are cautious about its usage, delivering it only when required and urging that parents never provide melatonin pills to their children on their own.
Conclusion
So, is it worth taking chances with melatonin supplementation in children? The use of melatonin in tiny doses can be helpful in certain children with sleep difficulties since it helps them sleep better and restores the circadian rhythm.
However, in these circumstances, it is advisable to customize the quantities and frequency of intake according to the needs of each kid so that they do not ingest more melatonin than they genuinely require. Likewise, once the difficulties disappear, it is advised to quit the medication.
However, in no event should the choice concerning the ingestion of melatonin be taken by parents without previous contact with a doctor. It is the responsibility of the physician to assess whether or not it is safe to expose children to melatonin and to research the factors that cause sleep disturbances in children.
Hence, she will be able to provide the best appropriate treatment, removing unnecessary risks in the short and long term while offering some helpful and practical recommendations to help children sleep better.
And in the case of banking on melatonin, she will explain in detail its mode of use and the most appropriate administration schedule to obtain a higher impact with a low dose.
FAQs | Melatonin for sleep
Will melatonin help my child fall asleep?
There is some evidence that melatonin may help children fall asleep, but more research is needed. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Some people take melatonin supplements to help them fall asleep or stay asleep.
Can I give my child melatonin every night?
There is no evidence that melatonin is safe and effective for long-term use in children.
Why you shouldn’t give your child melatonin?
There are a few reasons why you might not want to give your child melatonin. For one, it’s not regulated by the FDA, so there’s no guarantee of its quality or safety. Additionally, it can interfere with natural sleep rhythms.
Can melatonin cause behavior problems?
There is no evidence that melatonin causes behavior problems. In fact, there is some evidence that it may improve behavior in some people.
Can a child become addicted to melatonin?
There is no evidence that children can become addicted to melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body, and it helps to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement, and it is often used to help people who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. There is no evidence that taking melatonin in supplement form can cause addiction or dependence.
Can melatonin affect a child’s behavior?
There is some evidence that melatonin can affect a child’s behavior. One study found that giving children melatonin supplements improved their sleep quality and reduced their daytime behavioral problems. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
What happens if a kid has too much melatonin?
If a child has too much melatonin, it can cause them to become very sleepy. It is important to monitor the amount of melatonin a child takes and to consult with a doctor if there are any concerns.
What is an alternative to melatonin?
There are a few different alternatives to melatonin that can be used to help with sleep. Some people find that valerian root or chamomile tea can help them relax and fall asleep. Others find that using a noise machine or white noise app can help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Does melatonin stunt growth?
There is no evidence that melatonin stunts growth. In fact, there is some evidence that it may actually promote growth. More research is needed to know for sure, but there is no reason to believe that melatonin would have this effect.
Does melatonin stunt puberty?
There is no evidence that melatonin stunts puberty. In fact, there is some evidence that melatonin may help regulate puberty.
Can melatonin improve Behaviour?
There is some evidence that melatonin can improve behavior in children with ADHD, but more research is needed. Some parents report that their children’s behavior improves after taking melatonin, while others say that there is no change. It’s important to talk to your doctor before giving your child melatonin, as it can interact with other medications.
Who shouldn’t take melatonin?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone may respond differently to melatonin. However, generally speaking, people who should avoid taking melatonin include those with autoimmune diseases, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Additionally, people with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before taking melatonin.
Can melatonin help ADHD?
There is some evidence that melatonin may help improve symptoms of ADHD. However, more research is needed to confirm this. If you are considering taking melatonin for ADHD, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
Can melatonin cause seizures?
There is no evidence that melatonin can cause seizures. However, people with epilepsy should consult their doctor before taking melatonin, as it may interact with their medication.
How long does it take for melatonin to work?
It can take up to an hour for melatonin to work
What foods are high in melatonin?
Some foods that are high in melatonin include tomatoes, bananas, pineapples, and oranges. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, so eating foods that are high in melatonin can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Can kids use melatonin long-term?
There is not a lot of research on the long-term use of melatonin in kids, but what little there is suggests that it is safe to use for short periods of time. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s natural sleep rhythm, so it can be helpful for kids who have trouble falling or staying asleep. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before giving your child melatonin, as it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Is melatonin linked to autism?
There is no clear answer to this question as of yet. Some studies have shown that there may be a link between melatonin and autism, while other studies have found no link at all. More research is needed in order to determine whether or not there is a connection between the two.
Can melatonin cause autism?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that melatonin can cause autism. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but there are some potential side effects, including headache, drowsiness, and dizziness.
How does melatonin affect the brain?
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm (the body’s natural 24-hour cycle). Melatonin also has some effects on the brain, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
How long will melatonin make you sleep?
Melatonin will usually make you sleep for around 8 hours.
What fruit is highest in melatonin?
Some fruits that are known to be high in melatonin include tart cherries, pineapples, and bananas.
How can I increase my toddler’s melatonin?
There’s no evidence that melatonin supplements can help toddlers sleep better. In fact, there’s some concern that giving too much melatonin to young children could disrupt their natural sleep rhythms. If your toddler is having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible causes and solutions.
Does melatonin alter brain chemistry?
There is some evidence that melatonin can alter brain chemistry, but more research is needed to confirm this. Some studies have shown that melatonin can increase levels of serotonin in the brain, while others have shown that it can decrease levels of glutamate. It is not yet clear what effect these changes might have on brain function.
Can melatonin cause Alzheimer’s?
There is no evidence that melatonin causes Alzheimer’s. In fact, some research suggests that melatonin may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Can melatonin cause neurological problems?
There is no evidence that melatonin can cause neurological problems. In fact, melatonin is often recommended as a natural treatment for various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and migraines. However, it is always important to speak with a doctor before starting any new medication or supplement, especially if you are taking other medications or have a preexisting medical condition.
Can melatonin cause dementia?
There is no scientific evidence that melatonin causes dementia. However, as with any medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking melatonin if you have any preexisting health conditions.
