For exhausted, over-scheduled parents who just can’t seem to get their children sleeping well, the promise of some magic pill seems pretty alluring.
I can’t tell you how many clients come to me that have tried melatonin to help with their children’s sleep, even under a doctor’s supervision!
As someone that knows how important sleep is for our children, I can see why parents might turn to this in desperation.
I have SERIOUS concerns about the use of melatonin on our children.
It’s simply NOT a long-term solution to poor sleep for our kids.
Healthy sleep habits often take hard work and determination but I’ve NEVER met a child that couldn’t learn to sleep well, and I’ve never once advised my clients to use melatonin.
We’re talking about HUNDREDS of babies and children that have become great sleepers without the need for medication!
There are studies out there that have shown that melatonin may be helpful with children with autism and ADHD. Most babies and children do not need a pill, they just need someone to teach them good, independent sleep skills.
Hey parents! That someone is YOU.
And, here are some reasons why:
- Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted in your brain that signals to your body that sleep is coming.
- It’s NOT a sleep initiator, it’s a sleep regulator. So, it won’t “help” a child fall asleep. Contrary to popular belief.
- It’s the ONLY hormone available in the United States without a prescription.
- Side-effects can include headaches, drowsiness and stomach ache.
Dr. Johnson-Arbor, a Hartford Hospital toxicologist, says, “It’s (melatonin) possibly thought to affect growth, and to affect sexual development and puberty.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Melatonin should not be used in most children. It is possibly unsafe. Because of its effects on other hormones, melatonin might interfere with development.”
Please don’t put your children at risk just to get them to go to sleep.
Instead, do the work of teaching your child to be a great sleeper. Empower them and give them a gift that they can use their entire lives.
Babies that sleep well become toddlers that sleep well.
Toddlers that sleep well become children that sleep well.
Children that sleep well become adults that sleep well.
And, that’s all worth a little effort if you ask me!
Want to know how easy it is to get your babies & children to fall asleep quickly at bedtime and stay asleep ALL night long without a dangerous medication?
We should talk. Book a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with me.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping, however, I can.
Here’s to a well-rested family,
