A few months ago, I found myself in a conversation with other moms of tweens and teens on Facebook regarding insomnia. My 12-year-old son, who has always faced challenges with sleep, was experiencing heightened difficulties recently. I detailed our attempts to help him fall asleep: deep breathing exercises, meditation, a weighted blanket, and even reducing screen time before bed. Unfortunately, none of these strategies seemed to make a difference.
One after another, the moms shared their solution for sleepless kids: melatonin.
I had certainly heard of melatonin. I often saw humorous posts from parents about “medicating” their children to sleep with it, which made me uneasy. While I don’t oppose medication, I felt strongly that it would benefit my son more to learn relaxation techniques and good sleep habits rather than rely on a pill. Additionally, I was aware that melatonin isn’t FDA approved, and there appeared to be limited research on its use in children. However, I came across an insightful article from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that provided a bit of reassurance.
The AAP confirms that while melatonin isn’t FDA approved and more studies are necessary, it can be beneficial for children in certain circumstances. They explain that melatonin is a natural substance produced by the brain in response to darkness, and taking it differs from using a traditional sleeping pill. They recommend discussing its use with a pediatrician, noting that short-term use might be appropriate for situations like resetting sleep schedules.
Interestingly, the AAP highlights that tweens and teens often need this reset, as their internal clocks can conflict with school schedules. Many of these young people are natural night owls, finding it challenging to fall asleep early when they have an early morning class to attend.
I suspected that this was part of my son’s issue. His desire to stay up later had led to an increasing struggle to fall asleep. This created a cycle where the more anxious he became about not sleeping, the more wired he felt. After discussing it with my friend Sarah, who is also a medical professional, we decided to try melatonin. We bought some melatonin gummies from the store and followed Sarah’s advice to start with a half dose (1mg).
The results were astonishing. After taking it about 30 minutes before bedtime, my son fell asleep quickly for the first time in weeks. “My eyelids feel so heavy,” he said as he settled into bed. It didn’t make him groggy; he simply felt sleepy, and he woke up without any negative side effects.
We continued using it in moderation during that initial week to help him reset his sleep cycle. There was only one occasion where he took it too early, resulting in the effects wearing off before he was ready to sleep. However, overall, he began sleeping better and feeling more rested.
Now, we still use melatonin occasionally, typically once a week on Sundays after a weekend of sleeping in, as a way to reset for the upcoming week. Sometimes he requests it if he anticipates a stressful day ahead, which could interfere with his ability to relax at bedtime. I had concerns about him becoming dependent on it, but thus far, it hasn’t developed into a habit.
My son has always struggled with anxiety around sleep, but having melatonin as an option has provided him with some peace of mind. He seems more relaxed about going to bed, even on nights when he doesn’t take it. Most evenings, we incorporate meditation and breathing exercises to help him unwind, and I appreciate that he’s learning these techniques. However, it’s reassuring for both of us to know that melatonin can be there for him when he needs that extra support.
Of course, melatonin isn’t a universal solution, and it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before trying it. I remain slightly uneasy about the long-term effects, but I am comfortable using it occasionally to help my child sleep better. It has truly been a game-changer for us.
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Summary:
Melatonin has significantly improved my son’s sleep issues, offering a balance to his natural tendencies and school demands. After careful consideration and consultation with a medical professional, we introduced melatonin as a tool to help him relax at night. It has provided him with a sense of control over his sleep, allowing him to feel more at ease. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, it has made a noticeable difference in our family’s nightly routine.
Keyphrase: Melatonin for children’s sleep issues
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