Miya Pearson
Sleep is an essential part of a child's development, and when children experience sleep difficulties, parents and doctors sometimes turn to sleeping pills as a solution. Sleeping pills are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription. However, it is important to note that none of the common adult sleep medicines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children, and they can have side effects. Melatonin is a popular over-the-counter option, but it is not regulated by the FDA, and there is limited research on its use in children. Other options include antihistamines like diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl®) and hypnotic sleep aids such as zolpidem (Ambien). While these may help with sleep, they can also have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. Before considering sleeping pills for children, it is advisable to try natural sleep remedies, establish consistent sleep schedules, and make lifestyle changes to improve sleep habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep aids for children | Melatonin, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Zolpidem (Ambien), Vallergan, Phenergan |
| Melatonin dosage | Preschoolers (under 5): 1-2 mg; School-age children (6-12): 1-3 mg; Adolescents to adults (13+): 1-5 mg |
| Side effects of Melatonin | Daytime grogginess, headache, vivid dreams, bedwetting, dizziness, mood changes |
| Benadryl side effects | Tolerance can occur, losing efficacy if taken for more than three days in a row; can stay in the system for 16 hours, causing lingering sedative effects; not approved for use as a children's sleep aid |
| Other sleep strategies | Consistent sleep schedule, white noise, shortening naps, predictable bedtime routine, exposure to morning sunlight, play outside, counselling |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin supplements as a sleep aid for children
Melatonin is a hormone that our bodies produce in response to darkness. As night falls, melatonin levels rise, signalling to our bodies that it's time to fall asleep. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill, but it can be used as a short-term sleep aid for children. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in the United States, but it is regulated as a prescription medication in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.
The use of melatonin in children should be approached with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Melatonin supplements can vary significantly in dosage, especially in chewable forms, so parents are advised to consult with a doctor or pediatrician to ensure proper use and dosage. It is important to note that melatonin should only be used after a discussion with a pediatrician and the establishment of healthy sleep habits that do not include medication. A consistent nighttime routine with an age-appropriate bedtime can help with the natural release of melatonin. Taking a bath or shower, reading, and quietly relaxing can help set the tone for sleep.
It is recommended to create a sleep-friendly environment for children. A dark, quiet room is ideal for sleep, with low or dim lighting. Phones and devices that could make noise and disrupt sleep should be placed in another room. Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep and try to keep your child's sleep schedule consistent throughout the week for a regular wake/sleep rhythm. In addition, limiting screen time before bed is crucial. Blue light from tablets, e-readers, smartphones, and violent video games or shows can interfere with sleep by affecting melatonin levels and tricking the brain into thinking it is daytime.
While melatonin can help children fall asleep, it may not keep them asleep. It is important to evaluate sleep habits and the environment to address long-term sleep issues in children. Melatonin supplements are generally considered safe for short-term use in adults and adolescents, but there is limited research on their long-term effects and safety in children. Taking a large dose of melatonin can cause gastrointestinal issues or irritability, and it may interfere with the body's natural melatonin production. Therefore, it is recommended to always start with the lowest possible effective dosage.
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Side effects of melatonin on children
Melatonin is a hormone our bodies make in response to darkness. As night falls, melatonin levels rise, signalling to our bodies that it's time to fall asleep. Melatonin supplements typically contain a lab-made version of the hormone. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill and is usually recommended for children who are neurodiverse or have persistent sleep problems.
While melatonin does not have many common side effects, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. If you feel dizzy after taking melatonin, you should stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. It is also recommended to avoid driving, cycling, or using tools or machinery if you're feeling dizzy. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can worsen the side effects.
Serious side effects from melatonin are rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people. However, in rare cases, individuals may experience a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with symptoms such as swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale, and severe confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness. If a child experiences side effects such as a limp or floppy body, difficulty lifting their head, or unusual unresponsiveness, immediate medical attention is required.
Additionally, relying on melatonin for an extended period can minimize the importance of healthy sleep habits in a child's life. This can lead to a lifelong struggle with insomnia and a continued reliance on sleep supplements. Insufficient sleep due to melatonin's short lifespan can result in behavioural changes, with children exhibiting increased agitation, aggression, and anxiety.
It is important to note that melatonin should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider and in conjunction with behavioural interventions and healthy sleep practices. Melatonin is typically not recommended for healthy, typically developing children under the age of two or three. Before considering melatonin for your child, it is essential to address overall sleep habits and routines to promote natural, medication-free sleep.
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Over-the-counter sleep aids for children
Sleep problems are estimated to occur in approximately 20% to 30% of children. Many parents and caregivers turn to over-the-counter drugs to help their children sleep. However, it is important to note that medicine will not necessarily fix the problem. Before trying over-the-counter sleep aids, it is recommended to first implement sleep and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding exposure to screens for at least one hour before bed.
Some parents give their children over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl® to help them sleep. Benadryl® is one of the oldest and most frequently used over-the-counter medications for kids. However, doctors do not recommend using Benadryl® as a sleep aid for children. It is not approved for this use and can have several side effects, including potentially life-threatening consequences for children under two. Benadryl® can also cause lingering sedative effects after waking up, as it stays in the system for 16 hours.
Melatonin is another over-the-counter sleep aid that is available as a supplement. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares the body for sleep. It is important to talk to a doctor before giving melatonin to any child, as it is not appropriate for children who do not have sleep problems, and there can be health risks associated with taking too much. While melatonin may be a possible short-term strategy to help children achieve quality sleep, it is not a sleeping pill and should only be used after implementing healthy sleep habits that do not include medication.
Other herbal or 'natural' sleep remedies, such as chamomile, hops, passion flower, St John's wort, and valerian, are available in many health food shops. However, there is not much evidence to show that they help with sleep problems, and they are not strictly regulated, so they may contain impurities. As with any over-the-counter medication, it is important to always speak to a doctor before giving herbal remedies to children.
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Herbal sleep remedies for children
Sleep is essential for children's physical, mental, and emotional development. Poor sleep can contribute to digestive issues, immune system problems, focus and behaviour challenges, anxiety, and depression. Before considering sleep aids, it is recommended to try sleep and lifestyle changes, such as reducing screen time and caffeine intake.
If your child is struggling with sleep, it is important to consult a doctor or pediatrician. They may recommend melatonin, a hormone produced by the body in response to darkness, which helps us fall asleep. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill, and it should only be used after discussing it with a doctor and implementing healthy sleep habits that do not include medication. Melatonin supplements typically contain a lab-made version of the hormone and can help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. However, it is important to note that melatonin is not approved for use by typically developing children, and should only be considered under direct medical advice and supervision.
Some herbal sleep remedies that are available in health food shops include chamomile, hops, passionflower, and St. John's wort. However, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness in treating sleep problems, and they are not subject to the same testing as prescription medications. Valerian is another herbal remedy that may improve sleep quality, although more research is needed.
Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as Benadryl®, are not recommended for children due to potential side effects and safety concerns. It is important to consult a doctor before giving any sleep medication to your child.
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Doctor-prescribed sleep medication for children
Sleep problems are common among children, with at least 25% of infants, children, and adolescents experiencing them at some point. While medication can be a useful adjunct, it is rarely the first treatment option. Doctors will usually recommend trying sleep and lifestyle changes first, such as regulating melatonin production through light exposure, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and improving sleep habits and the sleep environment.
If these initial strategies don't help, and your child's sleep problems are affecting their well-being, schoolwork, or relationships, it's advisable to consult a doctor. Doctors may prescribe medication for children with persistent sleep problems, but this is typically done in conjunction with other strategies, such as behavioural therapy.
In some cases, a doctor might recommend melatonin for a toddler or child. Melatonin is a naturally occurring sleep hormone that helps regulate the body clock. However, it is not a sleeping pill, and it should only be used after consulting a doctor and establishing healthy sleep habits that don't involve medication. Melatonin supplements can have side effects, including daytime grogginess, headaches, vivid dreams, increased bedwetting, dizziness, and mood changes. It's important to note that there have been no long-term clinical trials on melatonin use in children, and it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.
Other doctor-prescribed sleep medications for children include sedatives like Vallergan and Phenergan, which are recommended only for children over the age of two and should be used under careful medical supervision due to potential side effects such as irritability and hyperactivity. Antihistamines are another common choice, selected about 33% of the time, and drugs that treat high blood pressure are also prescribed. In rare cases, doctors might prescribe sleeping tablets, but this is usually done with caution and for a limited time due to concerns about addiction and insufficient research on their effects in children.
It's important to note that medications for sleep disturbances in children are often prescribed off-label, meaning they are approved drugs being used for unapproved purposes. This highlights the need for more evidence-based studies in this area. Parents should always consult a doctor before giving any medication or supplement to their child and carefully follow the recommended dosage.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are medications that are taken to help someone fall asleep or improve sleep quality. They can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter.
It depends. While there are over-the-counter options available, it is not recommended to give sleeping pills to children without first consulting a doctor. Melatonin, for example, is a popular sleep aid for children, but it is not a sleeping pill and should only be used under medical supervision.
Side effects of sleeping pills for children can vary depending on the medication. Melatonin, for instance, may cause daytime grogginess, headaches, vivid dreams, bedwetting, dizziness, and mood changes. Other medications, like Benadryl, can have more severe side effects, including life-threatening reactions in children under two.
Yes, there are several alternatives to sleeping pills for children. Implementing a consistent sleep schedule, regulating exposure to light and outdoor play, and using white noise can all help improve a child's sleep without medication.
If you are concerned about your child's sleep, it is best to consult a doctor or pediatrician. They can evaluate your child's sleep patterns and make recommendations, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
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