{"id":15474,"date":"2022-09-22T16:59:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T14:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/?p=15474"},"modified":"2022-09-22T17:44:47","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T15:44:47","slug":"melatonin-dosage-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/melatonin-dosage-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Safe Melatonin Dosage for Kids?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Melatonin as a <\/span>sleep aid<\/span> is becoming increasingly popular, leaving many parents wondering whether this <\/span>hormone <\/span>really is beneficial to children with <\/span>sleep problems, <\/span>and most importantly\u2014is it safe?<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the indications for giving melatonin, the safe <\/span>melatonin dosage for kids, <\/span>along with its <\/span>effects <\/span>on children’s health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Melatonin?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Melatonin is a <\/span>hormone <\/span>produced by our <\/span>brain<\/span>, whose level sharply increases in the evening to give our body a signal it’s time to rest and <\/span>sleep<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n

As a <\/span>supplement<\/span>, melatonin is not regulated by the FDA, which means it cannot be FDA-approved for indications. However, <\/span>based on the research data up to now<\/span><\/a>, melatonin is well-tolerated and safe for most people, even in high doses.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was suggested and later demonstrated that melatonin supplementation could be helpful for some conditions associated with <\/span>sleep <\/span>disorders. Namely, children with medical conditions such as <\/span>autism spectrum disorders<\/span><\/a>, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and <\/span>ADHD <\/span>could be considered candidates for melatonin supplementation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, there is limited data for <\/span>melatonin use<\/span> in children without health problems or those with <\/span>sleep issues<\/span> unrelated to the abovementioned disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, if you\u2019re thinking of introducing melatonin to your child or adolescent, make sure to discuss it with your <\/span>pediatrician <\/span>or a <\/span>sleep<\/span> expert first. Also, bear in mind that you can\u2019t use <\/span>melatonin as a sleep aid<\/span><\/a> to force your child to go to <\/span>sleep<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n

How Much Melatonin Is Safe for Kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Melatonin <\/span>dosage <\/span>recommendations for children depend on <\/span>age <\/span>and underlying health problems. Generally, the <\/span>dosage <\/span>for small children is lower than the standard <\/span>dose <\/span>of around 5 mg\/day.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, it\u2019s always better to start with the lowest possible <\/span>dose <\/span>and increase gradually until achieving efficacy. Here are the recommended melatonin <\/span>dosages <\/span>by <\/span>age<\/span> and weight:<\/span><\/p>\n