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Parents know that sleep is important for kids for their growth, learning ability and general mood and often find themselves wondering if their kids are getting enough sleep
Many parents may start to consider a night-time sleep aid or a melatonin supplement if their child has difficulty sleeping, even after trying to instill good sleep habits.
It’s a good idea to educate oneself about Melatonin for kids - how melatonin works, what is Melatonin, and how safe Melatonin is for kids.
We have here everything you need to know about Melatonin to determine if it is the right choice for your kid.
A melatonin supplement is a great choice for occasional sleeplessness because it’s effective and drug-free.
What is melatonin and what does it do?
Melatonin is a sleep hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It makes your child feel sleepy. When the brain thinks it’s time for bed, it will start increasing the production of this hormone. When the brain thinks it’s time to wake, it will decrease its melatonin production.
Your child’s brain should produce the right amount of melatonin at the appropriate times. However, there are many scenarios that can disrupt your kid’s melatonin production and sleep-wake cycle.
- Inconsistent bedtimes. Kids who have very active social lives, cram for tests late at night, sleep in on weekends, or travel frequently for sports or other activities may have their sleep-wake cycle impacted by inconsistent bedtimes. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, a melatonin supplement can help reset their sleep-wake cycle so that they can get a great night’s sleep.
- Screen time after dark. The light from doing homework on a computer, watching TV, or texting after dark could incorrectly signal to your child’s mind and body that it’s still daytime, resulting in too little melatonin being produced. If screens are unavoidable in the evenings, a melatonin supplement can help mitigate their effects.
- Hyperactivity disorders. Regulation of melatonin production in kids with hyperactivity disorders, like ADHD, has been shown to be impaired. While melatonin should not be used to treat ADHD, parents can consult their pediatrician about low-dose melatonin supplementation as a means to helping their child fall asleep.
While these are just a few common scenarios, there are many more that can disrupt a child’s sleep-wake cycle. A melatonin supplement is a great choice for occasional sleeplessness because it’s effective and drug-free. It’s also non-habit-forming, so it can be used whenever needed. Read more about what melatonin is and how it works.
Is Melatonin Safe for kids?
Many parents are hesitant to give their children sleep aids because of worries that they’ll have side effects or that their kid will no longer be able to sleep without a sleep aid. Melatonin is a supplement, not a prescription sleep-aid – it won’t cause dependency, so it is a good option if your child has difficulty falling asleep occasionally.
If your child isn’t getting enough sleep consistently, the results can be serious. From social issues to fogginess to lack of coordination during sports, those sleepless nights can add up. If your child is having trouble falling and staying asleep or is showing any of these symptoms, don’t wait, talk to your pediatrician about what you can do for your restless child. Consult your doctor to confirm if melatonin is a good choice for your family.
PURE Zzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies are made especially for kids
ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs makes melatonin gummies for both adults and children. ZzzQuil’s sleep experts have spent many years and resources researching sleep aids, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality product possible. ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs is made under strict regulations for reliability, consistency, and safety.
While other melatonin supplements provide the same dose of melatonin for both adults and kids, PURE Zzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies are mindfully crafted with kids in mind and has a lower dose of melatonin than the adult product. One ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummy has 0.5 mg of melatonin compared to 1 mg per gummy in the adult product. Plus, the sleep experts at ZzzQuil included a botanical blend of lavender and chamomile.
So, if you’re looking for a sleep aid that’s non-habit-forming, drug-free, and made especially for kids, PURE Zzzs Kidz could be a good choice. Talk to your pediatrician about including a melatonin supplement in your child’s bedtime routine. Here are more tips on how to help kids sleep better.
