Colin Snow
Sleep is an essential part of a child's development, but sleep problems are estimated to occur in 20% to 30% of children. While sleeping pills are sometimes prescribed for adults with sleep problems, their effects on children have not been adequately studied. The FDA has not approved the use of any prescription or over-the-counter sleep medication for children under 16, and there is limited evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical sleep aids in this age group. Side effects, potential for dependency, and the risk of overdose are all concerns when considering sleeping pills for children. Before turning to medication, doctors recommend addressing habits and behaviours that affect sleep, as well as implementing sleep strategies and optimising the sleep environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence of sleep problems in children | 20% to 30% of children experience sleep problems |
| First steps to address sleep problems | Establish a consistent sleep routine, improve sleep environment, and address habits and behaviors that affect sleep |
| Prescription sleeping pills for children | Not approved by the FDA for children under 16; rarely prescribed for younger children and only under careful medical supervision |
| Side effects of prescription sleeping pills | Short-term: headaches, agitation, bedwetting, dizziness, daytime sleepiness; Long-term: dependence, rebound sleep problems, overdose, exacerbation of other health conditions |
| Over-the-counter sleeping pills for children | Not recommended without consulting a doctor; may contain unregulated ingredients and may have side effects |
| Natural remedies | May have side effects and lack evidence of effectiveness |
| Melatonin supplements | Not approved by the FDA; may contain unregulated ingredients and may have side effects; may be safe for children over 2 in low doses and with medical supervision |
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What You'll Learn
Side effects of sleeping pills
While sleeping pills can help with sleep disorders like insomnia, they can also have side effects. Over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can cause constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsen snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can also cause a "'hangover" effect the next day, with people feeling drowsy, confused, and experiencing dizziness or balance problems. These effects can negatively impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
Natural sleep aids like melatonin can also cause side effects. Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep by influencing when a person falls asleep and wakes up. While it can help with jet lag and serious sleep problems, it can also cause daytime grogginess, headaches, vivid dreams, increased bedwetting, dizziness, and mood changes.
In children, melatonin is sometimes prescribed to help with sleep problems, especially for those with autism, ADHD, or blindness. However, melatonin supplements are not sleeping pills, and they are not approved by the FDA for use in children. Melatonin should only be given to children under direct medical advice and supervision. Other sedative medicines for children can cause side effects such as irritability, hyperactivity, challenging behaviour, and daytime drowsiness.
Before turning to sleeping pills, it is recommended to try sleep and lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality. This includes a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and increasing physical activity during the day. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be effective in improving sleep.
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Natural remedies and alternatives
The use of sleeping pills for children is not recommended due to potential side effects and safety concerns. Instead, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can be effective alternatives to improve your child's sleep. Here are some strategies to explore:
Bedtime Routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for children. This includes setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends. A calming routine before bed, such as a warm bath, can signal to their body that it's time for sleep. Adding Epsom salts to the bath water can promote relaxation due to their magnesium content, which triggers the body's natural serotonin production.
Sleep Environment
Optimise your child's sleep environment by keeping the bedroom comfortably cool, dark, and quiet. Use warm lighting from incandescent bulbs instead of bright or fluorescent lights, which can interfere with drowsiness. Reducing screen time before bed is also essential, as the blue light from electronic devices can disrupt melatonin production and make it challenging for your child to feel sleepy.
Natural Sleep Aids
Some natural sleep aids that are generally considered safe for children include chamomile tea, which acts as a mild sedative, and cherry juice, which contains natural traces of melatonin. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods or supplements into your child's diet can also promote sleepiness. Additionally, essential oils, such as lavender, can be used to create a calming atmosphere in your child's bedroom.
Exercise and Routine
Encourage your child to engage in physical activity during the day. Exercise helps tire children out by bedtime and establishes a clear distinction between daytime and nighttime activities. However, avoid excessive stimulation right before bedtime, as it can counterproductively affect sleep.
Chiropractic Care
If your child continues to struggle with sleep despite trying natural remedies, you may consider consulting a neurologically-focused family chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce stress on the brain and body and positively impact the nervous system's control over sleep.
Remember, it is always best to consult your doctor or pediatrician before introducing any natural sleep aids or supplements to your child's routine. They can provide guidance and help you make informed decisions about your child's sleep health.
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The addictive nature of sleeping pills
While sleeping pills can be effective in aiding sleep, they can also be highly addictive. Sleeping pills are medications that can help people sleep. They are typically used to address sleep problems, which are estimated to occur in 20% to 30% of children. However, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of any prescription or over-the-counter sleep medication for children under the age of 16.
Sleeping pills come in various categories, including non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists such as zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien), and benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and lorazepam. These drugs can help people fall asleep and stay asleep by slowing down brain activity. While they can be effective in the short term, they can also lead to dependence and addiction if used for an extended period or at a higher dose than recommended.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when individuals suddenly stop using sleeping pills, and these symptoms can be similar to those that the medication was originally intended to treat. For example, individuals may experience trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and dizziness. To avoid relapsing, it is crucial to minimize withdrawal symptoms with the guidance of a doctor. Psychological or therapeutic support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be beneficial in addressing medication dependence and providing strategies to cope with stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, while sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term for addressing sleep issues, they should be used with caution due to their addictive nature. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use to minimize the risk of dependence and addiction. If individuals find themselves struggling to reduce or stop their sleeping pill usage, seeking professional medical or psychological support can be beneficial.
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Lack of research on sleeping pills for children
Sleep is an essential part of a child's development, and sleep problems are estimated to occur in approximately 20% to 30% of children. Many parents and caregivers turn to prescription medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs to address these issues. However, the use of sleeping pills in children has not been extensively studied, and there is a lack of research on their safety and effectiveness.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has not approved the use of any prescription or over-the-counter sleep medication for children under the age of 16. This means that young children are often taking adult medications that have not been tested or designed for their age group. The FDA also does not classify melatonin as a drug, so melatonin supplements are not closely regulated. This means that the dosage and ingredients listed on the package may not be accurate, and there is a risk of unknown or unlisted ingredients being included.
In Canada, a study found that primary care physicians and child and adolescent psychiatrists often treat sleep disturbances in children with mood disorders using off-label medications. This means that these medications are being prescribed without clear evidence for their efficacy, tolerability, and short or long-term safety in this age group. Melatonin, an "all-natural" sleeping aid, was identified as the first treatment of choice by 83% of respondents in the study, but it is important to note that it is not recommended for long-term use as it may trigger early puberty.
Similarly, in Australia, sleep medicines are rarely used to help children and teenagers sleep due to the potential side effects. Even herbal or 'natural' remedies can have unintended consequences. Doctors typically recommend trying sleep and lifestyle changes first, and medication is only considered in rare situations under careful medical supervision and usually for a limited time.
Overall, while sleeping pills may be effective in treating insomnia in adults, there is a lack of research on their safety and effectiveness in children. It is essential to speak to a doctor or pediatrician before administering any supplements or medications to children, as there may be alternative methods to improve their sleep without the potential risks associated with sleeping pills.
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The importance of a bedtime routine
While sleeping pills are sometimes prescribed for adults with sleep problems, their effects on children haven't been adequately studied. Doctors rarely prescribe sleeping pills for children, and only under careful medical supervision and for a limited time. Before considering sleep medication for children, it is recommended to try sleep and lifestyle changes, such as implementing a bedtime routine.
A bedtime routine can help your child develop good sleep habits and feel settled and safe. It can include pre-bed tasks, such as having a bath, brushing teeth, and putting on pajamas, as well as quiet activities like reading, listening to music, or playing a game. It is beneficial to keep the lighting dim and avoid screens in the lead-up to bedtime.
A consistent bedtime routine can lead to an earlier bedtime, shorter sleep onset latency, longer nighttime sleep duration, and fewer night awakenings. It can also improve settling problems and enhance parent-child relationships. Additionally, activities such as reading aloud to children have been linked to language development, literacy, and positive cognitive outcomes.
When creating a bedtime routine, it is important to be flexible and adapt the routine to your child's needs. It should be performed daily or as many nights as possible, and it can take a few weeks for the routine to become established. By implementing a bedtime routine and optimizing the sleep environment, you can help reduce your child's sleep resistance and improve their overall sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are not recommended for children due to the risk of side effects and potential dependency. The FDA has not approved the use of any prescription or over-the-counter sleep medication for children under the age of 16.
There are several alternatives to sleeping pills for kids, including establishing a consistent sleep routine, limiting screen time before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and creating a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment.
The side effects of sleeping pills can include drowsiness, difficulty with balance or coordination, impaired focus or memory, and allergic reactions. Sleeping pills can also be addictive and may cause rebound sleep issues when usage stops.
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