? about melatonin

Ellyn77

Hi, I post sometimes on the photography board and I recently posted this on the toddler board, not realizing there was a school age one. I have a DS that 5 yrs. old and has always had some sleep issues. Now that we are approaching kindergarten in the fall, I really want to take care of them. The child TAKES FOREVER to fall asleep at night!! We have a routine, no drinks or snacks before bed, etc. He is sometimes up as late as 11:30pm. He gets up in the morning fairly easy but some mornings, usually early in the week, he is cranky and says he did not get enough sleep. He does still take a nap at school but not on the weekends at home. I have been keeping a sleep journal for this week during a regular school week and for next week when we are at home for spring break to take to the doctor. I was just wondering what other parents were doing about sleep issues (our biggest problem is falling asleep and staying asleep) and if their LO was taking melatonin? Thanks for any help!!

Halo79RN

I know one pedi I worked for had recommended it to a fam.... still, I'd review this with your pedi first. I have not given it to my kids.  I've taken it in the past and it seemed to work.  

sweetie0228

I would also talk to your doctor first especially since he's only 5.  I have given a half of tablet to my 11yr son and a full tablet to my 14yr DD.  It does work and no groggies in the morning.

3plus1more

I too have a 5yo that wouldnt fall & stay asleep. My Ped recommended melatonin & it has worked like a charm. the forst night she actually told me she was ready for bed!! I didnt give it to her every night & actually gave her about 1/2 of what the ped said I could give her. Now she only gets it if she seriously wont go to bed! I think the every other night we gave it to her helped her body get on a better schedule & helped her relax & feel more comfortable in her room all night or something. LIke I said now its only after hours of fight & school in the am that I give it to her.

Good Luck!

jerol

My ped recommended it for my youngest- it is like a miracle pill!!   She used to be so restless and would take forever to settle down and fall asleep and now she is asleep within 10-15 minutes.

TheNextWest

My pedi suggested it for DS about a year ago (age 3). We did 30 days on, 30 days off for two cycles. The first cycle, it worked great helping him fall asleep, but he did not stay asleep. The second time, it didn't work at all. However, he does have ASD so there are some other issues that come in to play. I would try it if I were you, after consulting with your pedi. 

jenn5-26-07

I've used it, my kids have used it, I have friends that use it for their kids.  It works well- I've never seen any negative side effects. Its good to train kids to go to sleep/ getting them in a good going-to-sleep routine.

Melatonin is a chemical our bodies produce naturaly to tell our bodies to go to sleep- brain starts producing it as it gets dark out. (Even though its natural there are no long term studies on giving it to children- I would personally rather give my kids a natural suplement than a sleeping med- even without the research there.)

I would caution to use the lowest dose possible and only build up as you need to. I've found 1mg caps before. Usually you'll find 3mg- I cut them in half- even for myself.  but talk to your dr.