Evie Summers
Sleep is an essential part of a child's development, and when children experience persistent sleep problems, doctors may prescribe medication such as melatonin or sedatives. However, the use of medication for sleep problems in children is a complex issue. While melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that can aid sleep, it is not a sleeping pill and should only be used under medical supervision. There are no FDA-approved sleep medications for children, and adult medications can have serious side effects. Before considering medication, it is recommended to try sleep and lifestyle changes, such as limiting screen time before bed, as blue light from devices can negatively impact melatonin production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are sleeping pills safe for 12-year-olds? | Melatonin is a possible short-term strategy for helping 12-year-olds achieve quality sleep. However, it is not a sleeping pill and should only be used after a discussion with a pediatrician and the establishment of healthy sleep habits that do not include medication. |
| What dosage of melatonin can 12-year-olds take? | School-age children (6 to 12) can take 1-3 mg of melatonin. |
| Are there any side effects to melatonin? | Melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. |
| Are there any alternatives to melatonin? | Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, and limiting screen time before bed can help improve sleep. |
| Are there any other over-the-counter sleep aids? | Benadryl® is one of the most frequently used OTC sleep aids for kids. However, it is not approved for use as a children's sleep aid, and there are risks associated with taking it, including hyperactivity in 10-15% of children. |
| Are there any prescription sleep medications for children? | There are no FDA-approved sleep medications for children, which means young kids taking adult medications are exposed to side effects such as weakness, uncontrollable shaking, and difficulty keeping balance. |
| What about medical conditions that contribute to sleeplessness? | Medical sleep disorders (e.g., sleep-disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome), circadian rhythm disorders, and problems in child-parent behaviors can all impact a child's sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin dosage for 12-year-olds
Melatonin is a hormone that helps promote sleep. It is produced in the body and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. While melatonin can be safe for children when used correctly, it is not a sleeping pill and should only be used after a discussion with a pediatrician and the establishment of healthy sleep habits that do not include medication. Melatonin supplements are available at pharmacies or health food stores and come in a variety of forms, including gummies, dissolvable tablets, and liquids.
When it comes to dosage, it is important to consult a doctor for guidance, as the dosage can vary depending on the type of sleep problem, the child's age, weight, and other individual factors. Doctors may recommend starting with the lowest possible dose, such as 1-3 milligrams for toddlers and preschool-age children, and then increasing the dose if needed. For school-age children and adolescents, a dosage of 3-5 milligrams may be recommended, with the potential to increase up to 10 milligrams in older adolescents.
It is worth noting that melatonin is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a nutritional supplement and not as a drug. This means that the FDA does not oversee the purity or accuracy of dosage. As such, it is important to ask a doctor about trusted brands and forms of melatonin. Additionally, while studies show that short-term melatonin use in children is relatively safe, more research is needed to understand the full potential risks and benefits of long-term use.
Furthermore, it is recommended to prioritize healthy sleep habits and lifestyle changes before considering melatonin or other sleep medicines. This includes practicing good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding exposure to screens and blue light for at least one hour before bedtime, as this can interfere with melatonin production and impact sleep.
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Side effects of melatonin
In general, medicine is rarely used to help children and teenagers sleep in Australia, as medicines can have side effects. Sleep medicines should only be given to children under direct medical advice and supervision.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a role in sleep. It is not a sleeping pill, and should only be used after a discussion with a pediatrician and the establishment of healthy sleep habits that do not include medication. Melatonin supplements are increasing in popularity, but the long-term use of melatonin has not been extensively studied. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the most common side effects of melatonin supplements are drowsiness and headaches. Many people experience vivid dreams and nightmares while taking melatonin. Higher doses can lead to increased side effects, and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are possible, albeit rare. Other side effects include dizziness and dry skin.
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Natural alternatives to sleeping pills
While melatonin is sometimes prescribed to children with persistent sleep problems, it is not a sleeping pill. It is a natural hormone that is released in the brain four hours before we feel sleepy. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter, but they are unregulated, and experts recommend buying the same brand consistently and only from trusted sources. Melatonin should only be given to children under medical advice and supervision.
Before considering medication, it is recommended to try natural sleep aids and lifestyle changes to help improve sleep. These include:
- Reducing exposure to blue light from screens at least one hour before bed.
- Avoiding violent video games or shows before bedtime.
- Drinking warm milk, chamomile tea, or tart cherry juice.
- Taking herbal supplements such as valerian or kava. However, these remedies are not proven to be effective, and kava is now considered unsafe due to potential liver toxicity.
Sleeping pills and sleep aids are most effective when used sparingly for short-term situations, such as travel or recovery from a medical procedure. They can have side effects and may lead to dependence and tolerance. It is important to weigh the benefits against the risks and consult a doctor before taking any medication.
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Other over-the-counter sleep aids
It is not recommended that 12-year-olds take sleeping pills. Sleep medicines are rarely used to help children and teenagers sleep in Australia because they can have side effects, and there may be safer ways to improve sleep. Even herbal or 'natural' remedies can have side effects.
If your 12-year-old is struggling with sleep, it is recommended to first try sleep and lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene and avoiding exposure to screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. If these changes do not help, you can talk to your doctor about potential over-the-counter sleep aids.
There are a variety of over-the-counter sleep aids that can be considered for 12-year-olds. However, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving any of these remedies to a child.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps prepare the body for sleep. It is typically produced by the body when it gets dark. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter and can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved melatonin for use by typically developing children, and there is limited research on its effectiveness for children. It is important to consult a doctor to determine if melatonin is safe for your child, especially if they have other health conditions or take other medications.
- Sedatives: Sedative medicines, such as Vallergan and Phenergan, can be prescribed by a doctor for children with persistent sleep problems. However, these medicines should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies such as chamomile, hops, passion flower, St. John's wort, and valerian are available in many health food shops. However, there is limited evidence to show that they effectively help with sleep problems.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These supplements, also known as fish oil, may improve sleep quality in some people.
- Iron Supplements: If your child has restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder and low iron stores, your doctor might recommend additional iron intake through foods or supplements.
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When to seek medical advice
While melatonin is sometimes used to help children sleep, it is not a sleeping pill. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces in response to darkness, signalling to the body that it is time to fall asleep. Melatonin supplements typically contain a lab-made version of the hormone. Melatonin does not work as quickly as some sleep aids, taking up to a couple of hours to kick in. It is not approved for use by typically developing children, but doctors may prescribe it for children over 2 years old with certain conditions who have persistent sleep problems.
If your child is struggling to fall asleep or get sufficient sleep, it is recommended to first discuss trying melatonin with their doctor or pediatrician. Melatonin can be a possible short-term strategy for helping kids achieve quality sleep, but research is limited. Doctors will recommend other strategies in addition to medication, to help resolve the child's sleep issues faster and reduce the amount of medication needed.
Before discussing sleep medicine with your doctor, it is recommended to first try sleep and lifestyle changes to help your child sleep better. This includes avoiding exposure to screens at least 1 hour before bedtime, as blue light from devices can affect melatonin levels and make it harder to fall asleep.
If better sleep and eating habits are not helping, you should talk to your doctor, especially if your child's sleep problems are affecting their well-being, schoolwork, or relationships. You should also seek help if sleep problems are making your child anxious, or if the problems go on for more than 2-4 weeks.
If your child is taking melatonin, they should be settled and ready for bed before taking their nightly dose, as melatonin usually works within 30-60 minutes. Always start with the lowest possible dosage that provides results and keep your doctor informed about how much your child is taking and any concerns.
Some sleep medicines are available without a prescription, but you should always talk to your doctor before using them and check for side effects. You should only give your child sleep medicine if your doctor advises you to do so and under the doctor's supervision.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended that children take sleeping pills. Melatonin is sometimes prescribed to children over the age of 2 with sleep problems, but it is not a sleeping pill and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body in response to darkness. It signals to the body that it is time to fall asleep.
Melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. It should not be used for longer than four consecutive weeks.
Doctors recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and meditation as alternative methods to aid with sleep. It is also recommended that children avoid screens at least one hour before bed.
Common contributors to sleeplessness in children include medical sleep disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.
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