Sleep issues... Melatonin to the rescue!

Jacob has always had sleep issues. Better at times and worse at others. The past few months have been the latter. When we went to see our specialist, I told him about it. I have read that insufficient sleep lowers children's growth hormones and obviously affects attention. He suggested giving Jacob Melatonin, 1 mg, one half hour before bedtime. I was somewhat skeptical because I myself have tried it in the past and didn't see any effects but I was, quite frankly desperate for the middle of the night wakings to stop. And, for him to fall asleep before 10pm even though he woke up at 7am and didnt take a nap. Since naps went by the wayside at 4 yrs old, we have experienced what could be called a second infancy- by that I mean up in the middle of the night, multiple times and generalized fussiness in our son.

Here is some information below that I found online regarding what melatonin is, its lack of potential for harm, contraindications with medications, amounts to give and how it works. I hope this helps someone else like it does us. The first few nights, we were in literal awe- 30 minutes after taking it crushed in some apple sauce, our son was asleep and stayed asleep. Reminder: If you have any concerns about giving your child medication please check with your physician first. I am not a doctor nor am a specialist. I waited to start melatonin until I ran it past our doctor first to get his opinion.

What it is: Melatonin is a natural hormone, which is produced and secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of many hormones in the body. Among its key roles, melatonin controls the body's circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that controls when we fall asleep and when we wake up. The most accepted function of Melatonin is it role in sleep regulation. Melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian rhythms. Melatonin is significantly more effective in decreasing the amount of time required to fall asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime alertness.
One of the major complaints that parents have is that their children who take certain medications can't fall asleep at night. Many parents report that their children, who may be only five or six years old, are wide awake until 11 pm or later. Melatonin may be able to help these children. Since it is the primary chemical in the body that helps to induce sleep, children who suffer from insomnia often find that Melatonin restores their normal sleep cycle and helps them to be more awake and alert during the day.

How to Take It: There are currently no federal guidelines as to how to take Melatonin. Sensitivity to Melatonin is an individual thing and doses that are ineffective in one person may be too much for someone else. The best approach for any condition is to begin with very low doses and slowly add more until you get the effect that you are seeking.In children, it is best to start with a dose of about 0.3 mg/day or less. Although current research suggests that even doses as high as 10 mg are perfectly safe, it is best to proceed with caution (our specialist suggested 1mg for our 45 pound son and 3mg for adults). In adults, 3 mg is usually a safe starting dose and you can increase it or decrease it as you see fit.

Adverse Effects: Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. In one extensive clinical trial, a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects.The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time.

Possible Drug Interactions:Melatonin may interact or interfere with other drugs. These include:Antidepressant Medications & Antipsychotic Medications. Many of these medications are now being used in treating children with ADHD and Bipolar disorde. If your child is taking any of these things, you should consult with his doctor before giving Melatonin. Often children with ADHD and spectrum disorders have a great deal of difficulty falling asleep. This can be due to the medications that they are taking or just be one component in the spectrum of their problems. When used properly, melatonin may be a safe and effective way to handle sleep problems in children.