{"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 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 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 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 Giving melatonin pills to children under three years old is not recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n If your child has been approved for <\/span>melatonin supplements<\/span> by the <\/span>pediatrician<\/span>, you can follow the recommended doses, and it\u2019s best if they\u2019re taken 90 minutes before <\/span>bedtime<\/span>. The doses may vary individually for other conditions and a combination of conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On that note, the <\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a> states that even 0.5 or 1 mg of <\/span>melatonin for kids<\/span> can be sufficient for children with light <\/span>sleep problems<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n As we mentioned, melatonin is a <\/span>hormone <\/span>naturally produced in the <\/span>body<\/span>. In fact, <\/span>children’s melatonin<\/span> plays an important role in the <\/span>sleep<\/span>-wake cycle, similar to that of adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Therefore, its supplementation is justified only after you have applied all other appropriate <\/span>sleep<\/span> practices.<\/span><\/p>\n However, if you do decide to <\/span>supplement <\/span>your child with melatonin, you can expect certain <\/span>side effects<\/span>. Some of the spotted <\/span>side effects<\/span> of <\/span>melatonin use<\/span> in children are:<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>study on the effect of melatonin<\/span><\/a> on 94 children with chronic <\/span>sleep <\/span>onset <\/span>insomnia <\/span>and <\/span>ADHD<\/span> found no adverse <\/span>effects <\/span>on child <\/span>development<\/span>, even after long-term use of the <\/span>hormone<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Is Melatonin?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How Much Melatonin Is Safe for Kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Melatonin <\/b>Side Effects<\/b> in Kids<\/b><\/h2>\n
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