Is it wise to drug your kids to sleep?
Aaah, is there any sight more beautiful than a sleeping child? Their perfect features in innocent repose, their mouths open with the rhythmic flow of their sweet breath, their every pore radiating vulnerability and promise.And, let's not forget, their blessed unconsciousness and immobility, so they can't bug us for a while with their incessant demands and needs. A mother once told me: "It's a good thing, Dr. P, that my baby didn't come equipped with an on/off switch or he'd be sleeping a whole lot more than he does now."
That's one good reason to nix sleeping medications for kids: the irresistible temptation to drug kids into unconsciousness to suit parental convenience. After all, we have competing agendas: kids want to stay awake, adults want them to fall asleep. Using drugs makes it an unfair fight, just too easy to activate the off switch. Furthermore, where do you draw the line? What about the 4-month old who doesn't sleep well? Or a 2- year old?
Even more worrisome: we don't know the long-term side effects of sleep medications on kids. This is especially problematic as most physical growth and the consolidation of long-term memories occur during sleep.
On the other hand, there are many new studies demonstrating how insufficient sleep is wreaking havoc on children's behavior and development. Children, we are told, need their 8-10 hours or else. The problem is no one knows how to coax kids into sleeping more. So let me ask the unaskable: if they were known to be safe, why not use drugs to that end?
Before you answer, let's complicate the issue.
There are some developmental disorders (like ADHD and autism) in which the lack of sleep clearly has a negative impact on children's behavior and development. It's a clinical issue I frequently face, so I was relieved to see a new study* that examined the effectiveness of melatonin - a natural hormone made by our glands when we sleep - on 107 poorly sleeping, autistic kids.
With a dose of about 1-6 mg, 25% of their parents said the sleep problem had been solved and 60% said it had improved. Better still, only three families reported mild side effects (morning sleepiness, bedwetting).
Maybe you'll agree with me that medications can be a good idea for autistic or ADHD children with sleep problems. Certainly I prescribe them for that reason all the time, often with gratifying results for parent and child. But what about using drugs in 'typical' kids who don't sleep well. Shouldn't they and their parents be allowed the benefits of a full night's rest, especially when there appears to be a 'natural' drug that is both safe and effective?
*****
Consider this scenario. Let's assume you have a healthy nine year old child, Beckett, who goes to bed at 8, but doesn't fall asleep until midnight. In the morning it's impossible to awaken Beckett and he is wicked cranky to get off to school. Let's assume that you've instituted good 'sleep hygiene' measures (no TV in the room, a consistent bedtime, a consistent bedtime ritual of reading a story, winding down with a bath before falling asleep, etc.). And let's assume Beckett doesn't snore or have signs of disturbed sleep or obstructive sleep apnea.
This was exactly the challenge I recently faced in my practice. Beckett's desperate, bleary-eyed parents wanted me to OK a medication to improve the duration and quality of his sleep. I told them no because of the concerns I already discussed. Am I being appropriately cautious or just a Luddite (i.e., reflexively anti-progress) wimp?
As I later learned, Beckett's parents judged me to be the latter. When I saw them recently (for another reason), his mom looked at me somewhat accusingly and told me that, despite my cautions, they were giving Beckett melatonin and...success! He was falling asleep much earlier and he seemed to be more rested and even-tempered during the day, as were his parents, so whatdoyouthinkofthat Dr. P???
*****
I know, I know: many of you and many of your kids are just soooo tired. Everyone in the family needs relief. Will you - should you - then choose to give your sleepless in Cheboygan child this 'natural' substance (or the next one that rolls around) that promises to fix the problem without apparent side effects, perchance to dream?
Article cited:
* Melatonin for Insomnia in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Andersen, I, Kaczmarska, J, McGrew, S, Malow, B.
Journal of Child Neurology, January 2008
http://jcn.sagepub.com/cgi/rapidpdf/0883073807309783v1
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Technorati Tags: pediatrics, sleep, insomnia, children, medication, sleep disorders, melatonin
46 Comments:
Just say no! I think drugging kids to sleep borders on abuse.
Just accept your fate of being a parent of child who is not a good sleeper and deal with it.
It's ridiculous and unfair to call sleep meds 'abuse'. My child has ADHD and requires medication (clonidine) to fall asleep or else he's up until 1am and miserable the next day. A good night's sleep improves the quality of his life. How does that 'border on abuse'?
I've always felt a little guilty that I so much want my kids to fall asleep early and give me some time of my own. Thanks for showing me I'm not alone.
i think it is safe to say here to use sleep med when only needed especially for a child who are sick. On the other hand, a healthy child should not be drug just because they protest to go to sleep. Im sure they will fall to sleep once they are tired.
The term "Drug"your child sounds abusive.What do you do when you have a otherwise healthy child who will not sleep until 1 or2 am,then goes to school,does poorly and the cycle repeats.As a grandmother healthy sleeping begins at birth and should be continued throughout the early years.My 11yr.old grand-daughter sneaks staying up and reading,writing whatever,as she has been maturing,her body now has balanced out and she sleeps better.I say be patient if your doing the right things,but I know it's hard not to think about a little sleep medicine when you,the parent are exhaused.Believe me there will come a time when you will miss those "silent noises of your child still awake!"you have to lol..........
To say, "Just accept your fate of being a parent of a child who is not a good sleeper and deal with it.".... IS ABUSE! Children....especially children for proper growth alone need the proper amount of rest and I know a child that does not get the proper amount of rest on a regular basis is not a happy child nor a functioning child and will ultimately end up with any number of REAL physical and emotional problems. Now accept that.
We live in times when there are drugs for everything. Some of them actually work. If there are no side effects and your child sleeps better, then I don't see a problem with giving your kid medications.
I find this topic interesting. Especially the Abuse accusation. My son, since birth, had bad sleep habits. He never slept like a baby should, he didn't eat much and he was very small ( 5lbs 13 oz at birth and about to the shoulder of any other kid his age at the age of 4). I attributed this to my horrible pregnancy which denied both of us proper nourishment due to I couldn't keep anything down ( I lived on Watermelon, lettuce and water.) By the time he was 4 he was still up and down all night sleeping for an hour and a half then up for 30 mins. He wasn't eating, was very small, was behind in both mental and motor skills. We thought again that it was just the pregnancy and he was developmentally delayed. But then we started putting things together. He had sunken eyes with very dark circles, he truly didn't understand a word we said, he was hyperactive and the mention of sleep sent him into a rage. In desperation i took him to our new doctor and he sent us to a sleep study. The doctor Diagnosed him with a sleep disorder and started treatment with medications. We saw immediate results. He all of a sudden calmed down,would eat well, gained weight, he grew overnight and his intelligence skyrocketed. By the time he was 5 years old he memorized all 50 states and capitals, the minute he started to learn how to read you couldn't stop him and now he reads 4 years beyond his age, he is as tall as the average child of his age and he has amazing creativity. Unfortunately we have not found a medication that keeps up with him, he maxes out doses and we have to move on. His diagnosis's have gone from sleep disorders to ADHD and Bipolar disorder. The current doctor has given us a preliminary diagnosis but we still do not know exactly the cause of why he does not sleep. But I will tell you this, My son, who I thought would be in LD classes when he was younger, is the top of his class and they are talking about putting him in gifted classes. How is that abuse? The real abuse would have been to sit back and do nothing. To not do what he needed to give him the best quality of life for him. To possibly be watching him die because his little body would just give out. I didn't do this for my lack of sleep or to better my time, I had gotten used to the pattern and working around it, which was why I didn't really notice it at first. I have 2 older teenage sons who fight me to stay up for their own purposes, their lack of sleep by choice is not causing him the kind of harm it was to their younger brother. I agree that most cases aren't like ours, otherwise we would have a true diagnosis. I apologize for making this long, but I think that you can't understand with out all the facts, and this isn't even all of it. You really just have to see him for yourself when the medications stop working to understand.
'Dr. P,' I too share your concerns about using medications to improve a child's sleep habits. I recently babysat three of my cousins-ages 4, 5, 7; I found myself wanting to rip my hair out around 10:30 p.m. when they were still awake. I tried everything, warm milk, bedtime story, warm bath, but to no avail and by this time I was completely exhausted and ready to collapse but my cousins were as wide-eyed as ever. Being a college student and not having children of my own I found myself relieved when my aunt and uncle finally arrived. The children were no longer my responsibility, whether they would immediately fall asleep or stayed up for another 2 hours was no longer my concern. I can only imagine what parents go through when their children will not fall asleep, and there is not anyone to rescue them. So after a couple of sleepless nights and trying days it is only normal for parents to want some relief after feeling like they have exhausted all avenues, but I agree that medication is not the answer. It is not possible to compare the sleep habits of healthy children with those that suffer from autism because autistic children tend to produce less melatonin than their normal counterpart. I also wonder if the children's parents look for other causes that may be troubling their child? For instance there have been an increase of earthquakes felt in Southern California, and I know a child who refused to fall asleep because they were scared. Unfortunately, the parents of this child were not aware of this until two sleepless nights had past. Also, I read in an article that taking melatonin on a regular basis, reduces the amout your body produces naturally, and therefore establishes a dependence on orally taking melatonin. Shouldn't this be considered a long term effect?
AS A NURSE AND A PARENT I STAND ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS ISSUE BUT PERSONALLY I BELIEVE WE AS PARENTS NEED TO TO BITE THE BULLET AND NOT STEER TO MEDICATION, I FEEL IF WE AS PARENTS KEPT OUR CHILDREN ACTIVE DURING THE PERIOD OF AFTER SCHOOL AND AFTER WORK THEY WOULD REST BETTER AND NOT ADHERE TO OUR ON SCHEDULES OF BEING TIRED AFTER WORK AND NOT WANTING TO BE BOTHERED SO WE WANT AN INSTANT RELIEF CREATE OUR OWN PROBLEM BY MAKING OUR CHILDREN DEPENDENT ON THE MEDICATION TO GO TO SLEEP
I agree with the nurse about steering clear of medications but, YOU GET NO REWARDS FOR MAKING YOUR CHILD SUFFER NEEDLESSLY! Again, after everything else has been investigated and tried it is the parent(s) decision to do what is best for their child and not responsible for makeing everybody else FEEL better.
My son never slept, not from day one. He is almost 6 now and still does not sleep...unless given melatonin. He now carries 4 (count them, 4) diagnosis' which just tells me that they have no idea what is going on with him. He has a LONG history of aggression and has been kicked out of 4 babysitters homes and 2 daycares (one of which was a special education facility). At 20 months he ran away from the babysiters house, at 23 months he gave his first black eye, and by age 2 he was on 3 DIFFERENT medications. He is going to be 6 in a few months and my poor little boy has now been hospitalized on 3 seperate occasions, 1 of which was after and incident that sent his pregnant babysitter into the hospital. He has seen more therapists, psychiatrists, and pschologists than I can even remember. Now let's take away his melatonin, or any of his other "drugs"... he CAN NOT FUNCTION!!! And I mean at all. He can't sleep (the last time he was stripped of his medication he slept 1/2 an hour the entire night), he can't focus in school, he's irritable and therefore violent, he can't sit still, he rocks excessively. Now you can argue all you want but my son needs his sleep, and so he needs his "drugs". And as for the person without children... You were ready to rip your hair out after one evening? Don't you think that it would be better for a parent to "help" there child sleep then to be "exhausted" and drown them in the bathtub?!
AMEN!!
I think you guys are all missing the point. To summarize what the article said:
(1) Using sleep medication on kids simply for the parents convenience is not acceptable
(2) Where there are medical conditions that make the use of sleep medication "the lesser of two evils" by all means use it.
My youngest son never slept through the night until he was nearly 4. As a consultant, I often had to get up at 4 a.m. to drive to the client's site. Neither my wife nor myself EVER considered using medication no matter what the impact to our quality of life.
Personally, I resist using sleep medication even as an adult. To me it is just like a form of anesthetic - only milder. The body is "knocked out" and physical rest occurs. Unfortunately so is the mind - and there are no dreams. The physiological benefits of sleep are non existent.
I find I am much better balanced and able to perform better when I have disturbed natural sleep than when I have undisturbed drugged sleep.
I, have not missed the point. Reading the responses of some of the posts THEY have missed the point. There is good and bad in everything and we all know that medications can and are sometimes abused but that's no excuse to run scared or to make people feel like they are bad people for having to possible consider that option. Again I say it is a very personal decision and should be done with those persons - both personal and professional-that best know you and your situation. Total strangers should never come into the picture at that point.
Its is very unfair to say giving your child sleeping medication is abusive. I have a son who is ADHD and is unable to sleep at night because his mind is racing everywhere. I didnt ask for help with his sleep till his lack of sleep was effecting his schooling and his home life. He is now on medicine to help him sleep and has been on it for 2 years now and if he even misses a day its pure hell. So if its the last resort then by all means use medicine and a doctor but dont abuse the medication for your personal quiet time.
I know the point of this is the medication, but I can't help but postulate another question. What else can we do besides medication other than the normal run of the mill items that obviously aren't working for parents of kids with sleep problems? Are there natural things or missing vitamins or something? My problem is sometimes the medication only deals with the symptoms and not the cause, and also may cause more problems with side effects. I have kids that have problems sleeping - I have 5 kids and NONE of them are good sleepers - although some are better than others and my oldest, 10, has finally "outgrown" it. However, I believe hers was caused by a difficult pregnancy and premature birth. She had to be awakened every 2 hours to eat and anyone who has tried to nurse a preemie knows it is not a easy feat - they take forever as they fall asleep and don't want to wake up. So it would take an hour and so you would only get an hour inbetween. I believe this set her up on a bad habit that took a long time to get rid of and she wouldn't want to go to sleep either eventually as she got older. I believe their were sensory integration issues here too. I had my second child 17 months later and they had to share a room eventually and I just think it rubbed off - however the second one I think has ADHD, I do, and I haven't had her tested as she does OK in school and I don't want her labeled. However, at home is another issue and let me tell you it has taken a toll on the whole family. And the fact that we can't get a good night's sleep affects our health. I also think that the reason the others are such "night owls" is due to the first two somewhat. They can keep others awake that may normally be sleeping. Hard to say for sure, but I think so. Plus my blood pressure is through the roof. I have problems with it anyway and on nights when I can't get enough sleep - which are many many - it is dangerously high. My husband has to get up very early and works 2-3 very physical jobs right now and at 44 and it is taking a toll on him. He needs his sleep. However, my husband and I really don't want to medicate her or any of the other's for that matter - but everyone NEEDS sleep. So I am just wondering if there are other things to try other than the typical routine type things you read in magazines that just don't work or matter with these types of kids. I am not saying that meds should NEVER be used, but I think it would be great if doctors were taught in medical schools more alternatives to medicine. Or if we could find the causes and deal with them. Perhaps melatonin is one as it may be natural, but perhaps there are other choices or even defiencies to correct or something.
I agree. I think our diets have a great deal to do with the daily operation of our bodies. Even parents trying to provide the healthiest meals possible to their families, just about everything we touch has either been processed or sprayed with some type of pesticide and you will never convince me that this does not have a negative effect on our bodies especially young bodies.
I have a teen, who doesn't get much sleep because of Asthma. I do what I can to help her sleep. But I think drugging her is way too far. There is the risk that the child may be given too much.
I also have a 5 year old. He is active. It s a battle to get him to sleep at night. Because sugar makes him sleepy, it is something I can use but I don't because of the risk to his health.
I think it really does depend on the child. me personally my kids do not need it. my older son tries to stay up all the time and then he is cranky but thats b/c he wants to watch tv. my younger son whithin 20 min hes out almost no matter what time hes put to bed. When its a healthy child thats not having problems sleeping and you are drugging them to sleep that is child abuse. Like with that little Madeline girl. Her parents were drugging her and her siblings to sleep at 6pm. Thats crazy. That girl probably woke up fuzzy as sleeping meds will do and wondered off and god knows where she is now. I take ambier to help me sleep b/c im cranky if i dont get enough sleep and lord knows my kids want me to sleep as good as i want them to or its a vicious cycle of us all being cranky at each other!
Seeing as I'm going through the same problem as "Beckett's" parents, where we put our daughters to bed at 8PM and they're not asleep until 10PM, then our 5 year old wakes around 11:30 PM like clockwork every night, I'd have to agree with "Beckett's" parents. I don't see any reason for children who tend to actually have a sleep problem, to utilize a medication. I worry about my daughter, and myself. I'm sick a lot when I don't get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and for the last near 3 weeks...it's been about 4-6 hours, resulting in both me and our younger daughter having upper respiratory infections (I've had fevers hitting 103 F for 3 days, though today I seem to be fever free). It's not abuse to want your child to be healthy. Why not say forcing them to eat broccoli is abuse too. They certainly throw a fit about it, and don't like it. But yet, you wouldn't go and say it's abuse because it's good for them. SO IS SLEEP. I've utilized Benadryl when my kids had cold symptoms, to help them sleep. Like one of the anonymous people were saying about their son being tiny, even from birth, my daughter was 6 lbs 5 oz, and 12 lbs at 12 months! She's tiny. She still is. She just turned 5 and weighs 34 lbs. Her 3 yr old sister weighs 32 lbs. She sometimes has little bags under her eyes. At 5! We're taking her in to the doctor's because she's also a little overly hyper...not like problematic, she's just always been "full of it." I worry about sleep apnea. What could be waking her up at 11:30 PM every night? She also snores. I think there should be a PRESCRIPTION ONLY medication. I know it would be abused by some parents if their children weren't napping (which some just don't), or if they need a break. So things should be taken into consideration but I don't think a doctor should deny sleepless parents and children of a good night's sleep. Our doctor has said there is nothing we could give her. Now I know there is, but she was simply not saying and that ticks me off. I'm not an irresponsible parent. My kids have a sleep routine, bedtime story, comfortable sleeping conditions, and sometimes they actually fall asleep fast. It's the night waking issue that destroys everything. She wakes everyone in the house, screaming and crying. I don't think I'd be reckless or irresponsible to medicate her (as long as we know it's not apnea or other medical problem). I'd be doing her, and everyone else, a great service, ensuring everyone gets enough sleep. And with luck she wouldn't be so prone to act up in class either.
People keep posting things defending why they use it on their ADHD kids or Autistic kids... We're NOT discussing that. Its understandable. The real question is... A NORMAL, average kid. Is it okay to give sleeping meds to AVERAGE non adhd kids? Is it okay to simply perscribe these pills so the parents can get more rest or alone time.
I would urge any parent with a toddler/ preschooler with severe sleep issues to look for signs of sleep apnea. My son was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea right before his 4th birthday, after sleeping on a newborn's schedule for his entire life. He didn't just not sleep through the night, but just slept in short bursts throughout the day/ night, with no differentiating between the two. As impossible as sleep apnea is, medicating such kids can be extremely dangerous, as they need to be conscious enough to wake up every time their airways close. So, before you use meds, monitor for snoring, fitful sleeping, constant waking, "clawing" at their faces/ noses while sleeping, and make sure there is no underlying medical cause.
Exactly...I think there needs to be a full evaluation. But doctors tend to blow off parents just because we're talking about sleep. I've been around the block on this. My daughter refuses to sleep through the night in her own bed. She night wakes and throws a fit. I want her evaluated but I've had a doctor tell me to LOCK HER IN HER ROOM. Um...no? I'm not turning my child's "haven" into a cell block. Doctors, not all of them granted, blow off parents just because they ASSUME we just want more sleep. Of course I want more sleep! I have asthma and get sinus infection, upper respiratory infections, and bronchitis due to lack of sleep dropping my immune system. It's not healthy and I can't care properly for my kids if I'm not healthy. I'm forcing the issue the day after tomorrow and asking about a local sleep study for kids. They have one here, and I want my kid in it. I want to know the cause of her night wakings. Not just medicate her. However, if there's nothing wrong with her, medicating her is what I may turn to do...setting up a healthy sleep pattern.
My son is 2. He is up every 1-1.5 hours. My family is exhausted. I have 2 school age children that do not get their full nights sleep because of my 2 year old. His doctor told us to "let him cry, he will go back to sleep". Not happening!!! He needs something to help him sleep. He is a terror during the day because he is tired! I would like to try the melatonin. Would love to hear from anybody with experience with this natural remedy!!!! As for those who think that we are drugging our children for our own purpose, think again. Ther is nothing selfish about wanting your child to sleep all night and behave during the day.
Drugging kids to go to bed, don't most children that have problems sleeping, eventually grow out of it, or as they get older they are able to make themselves fall asleep? To give in at that age, shows the child, that if you can't or don't want to do something right, use assistance (a drug) to get it done. So what happens down the road? Their bodies are used to getting the drugs to go to sleep. And now they can't get to sleep with out it. We as adults have a hard time trying to break an addiction, how is a 12 year old child supposed to be able to? Are you seriously going to put your child through that? And what happens when your child becomes a teenager, and sees that everone else is thin, hey, I took a drug to help me go to sleep maybe I should use a drug to help me lose weight. Or if they are an athlete, same scenario. Hell, it could be anything, marijuana to fit in, caffiene pills so they can stay up later. Please, let's not start down the wrong path. Choosing to do it while they are young is like opening up doors to everything else. Unless your child has an illness, it's morally and unethically wrong.
For you to think that just because a parent wants there child to sleep better to be healthier is abuse goes to show what kind of parent YOU are. Its not always that a parent wants there child to go to sleep because they want time to themselves but the effects of not getting a good night sleep can not only effect there overall health but effect the way they learn and grow. I think that as long as they arent abusing the drug and using it on children that already sleep there share of 8-10 hours a day it is completely fine to use a natural sleep aid.
Melatonin is hardly a drug that will cause a lifetime of drug problems. It is a natural hormone that is produced in the body. What will be detrimental to the child is not getting enough sleep and having developmental delays or sleep problems as an adult. It is ridiculous to sit there and judge someone for wanting their child to sleep normal. We are not wanting them to "sleep all day so that I can get some peace and quiet". Hell, I haven't had peace and quiet in 12 years!!!! But that doesn't mean Im gonna 'drug' my kids to sleep. Use some common sence when commenting about how good parents raise and deal with their kids. And thank you anonymous at 12:54 for reading my mind !
Although both my kids have autism and/or ADHD, we use Benadryl when they are on overload and need something to help them get to sleep. It may sound crazy but that's what my doctor suggested a few years ago and it does work for them. Best of luck to everyone, we've been dealing with this for 14 years!
In response to Ukoh, He believes that it is more benefitiary to his health to just suck it up and deal with his childs problematic sleep. He thinks that his wife, son, and hiselve would rather have constant inturupted sleep all night, than use sleeping medications. Because, sleeping medicines "knock out the body" and "knock out the brain". Therefore, if the brain is "knocked out" a person doesnt dream, Consequently, with no dreaming it is as he states "physiological no benefit" So basically WHY BOTHER? By the use of launguage of UKOH one might assume he is an intelligent man. But that is not the case. UKOH should have research his "theories" more he is somewhat right about not dreaming though, but thats all he has correct in his blog. I am a mother and Nurse, so i tend to encounter stupity all the time. When people sleep, there are five sleep cycles, after the first through fifth are finish they begin again, this goes on from the time one falls asleep till the individual wakes up. This biological rhythm repeats itself every 90 to possibly 100 min. REM stage is the dream stage or sometimes called paradoxical stage, due to ones body and mind are extremely active but the brain stem blocks the motor cortex signals, essentially being paralyzed. Now that that is clear I can tell anyone who is reading this and that happens to agree with UKOH that when sleeping pills (tylenol PM) are administered the result is no dreaming, so it is as he stated "physiologically without benefit" so why bother right? WOW what the hell is wrong with people? Back to subject, When a person takes sleeping pills for sleep(excluding melatonin) the REM Stage can be reduced, NOT ELIMINATED. Furthermore, when a person sleeps well with sleeping medication, they at least sleep, and still go through all of the essential stages. REM is not the only stage dreaming occurs it is although, the deepest and a neccessity. All scientist and doctors agree that people need REM sleep! UKOH believes that being repeatedly awoke is a better way for him,his son,and wife to deal with his sons problematic sleeplessness. Eventually what will happen is that their minds are going to go into REM REBOUND. What happens is during waking hours REM Occurs,meaning "yes" you will dream while fully awake! CASE AND POINT! Sleeping thoroughly, even with reduced REM state is much more benefitial than constantly disrupting the paradoxical state. Thorough sleep enables our body to recuperate, restore body tissue,most importantly those of the brain,and also the brain consolidates our memories from that day. Chronic sleep disruption and depravation alters metabolic and hormonal functioning in ways that mimic the aging process. In addition to aging is that disruption in sleep increases chances of obesity,hypertension, and of course memory impairment. !!!!***OH, NO THATS NOT ALL!!!***** UKOH needs to also know what he is doing to his child by making the boy "tough it out" when asleep the pituitary gland releases the growth hormone. So naturally, UKOH is setting his child up for many health risks that wont even surface till later in life. Other consequences involve, irratibility, impaired creativity, concentration, and communication. I UNDERSTAND IF PARENTS ARE WORRIED, BUT WHAT REALLY MAKES ME BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MANY IGNORANT PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD IS THAT ON ALMOST ALL OF THE BLOGS THAT PEOPLE ARE TREATING MELATONIN AS A "MAN MADE DRUG" OUR BODY ALREADY PRODUCES IT, THAT IS NOT PUTTING A FOREIGN SUBSTANCE IN OUR BODY AND SHOULD NOT BE MISTAKED WITH ANY OTHER TYPE OF MANUFACTURED MEDICATIONS FOR SLEEP. MELATONIN DOES NOT REDUCE OR TAINT REM STAGE!!!!! AND GUESS WHAT YOU DON'T EVEN WAKE UP DROWSY! SO IF A PARENT SUCH AS UKOH KNEW THAT MELATONIN WORKS AND STILL DECIDED TO LET HIS FAMILY TOUGH IT OUT MAKES ME SICK AND IT ALSO CONSTITUTES ABUSE. O.K NOW LETS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR A MINUTE PEOPLE? SHALL WE? WHAT IF UKOH(or the other ukohs that are out there) AND HIS WIFE WERE DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING AFTER HAVING JUST ONE OUT OF THIER MANY CONCURRENT NIGHTS OF "toughing it out". Naturally, they will be impaired, it is said the effects of sleeplessness are equivelent to the effects of alcohol. AND WHILE BEING IMPAIRED WRECK AND DIE? so maybee people that share his values should ANALYZE THE WHOLE PICTURE AND NOT BE SO CLOSE MINDED OR QUICK TO JUDGE OTHER PARENTS! TO ME THESE TYPE OF PARENTS THAT ARE CLOSED MINDED TO ASSESS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIER ACTIONS ARE THE SAME AS PEOPLE WHO DO ABUSE THIER CHILDREN.
I have an autistic son and a 4yr old daughter who has trouble going to sleep. We tried Melatonin after advice from our doc. My son eventually grew tolerant to it and has to take a prescription to help him sleep now. I used the Melatonin as a tool with the 4 yr old. After we had established good sleep paterns I slowly stopped giving it to her. She sleeps great now that her body has goten in to the routine. As a Dept of Family Services worker, I say if you use it wisely and don't abuse it ok. But use it for the kids sleep, not so you can get rest. The child always comes first.
Catherine M. Rainwater,
I totally understand what you mean about physicians tendency to blow off sleep problems. That's the reason my son suffered with the obstructive sleep apnea for four years before it was finally diagnosed (after I read an article and said "Hey, could he have apnea??"). Doctor after doctor dismissed it as a parenting problem, telling us to just stick to a routine, force him to sleep in his own bed, etc. They had US convinced it was our fault, and on top of four years of complete exhaustion, we felt like terrible parents as well. I think all too often experts blame the sleep problems on "lack of routine", when in reality it is the sleep problems *causing* the lack of routine!
My sister has this problem with her almost-4-year-old daughter. She refuses to sleep. It's as if she doesn't need to sleep and nothing anyone says or does can make her think she should sleep. I know from experience it stresses ALL of us out! And I don't even live there. This little girl acts like a holy terror most of the time and I firmly believe it is because she does not get any sleep. My sister uses Melatonin at the suggestion of her doctor. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But when it does work -- it's a blessing.
My daughter is 31 months old,she slept great until she turned 2 and for the last 7 month we have stuggled with her sleep,we have a regular rotine every night between 8-8:30 we get ready for bed...ie book,say good night a drink and a small night light,however she will not go to sleep until 1 or 2 am.
she is a normal 2year old and yes I use melitonin,not everynight but about 3-4 nights a week.We think it works just fine,so far I have not heard of anyside affects,and of cource I tryed it myself befor I gave it to her and I had no ill side affects after taking it for a week.
youre only young once. why live a young life all drugged up? arent there are other natural solutions? herbal teas, warm bath, better foods, a solid ritual? i understand when there are underlying issues and illnesses but drugging them just so everyone can have some peace?? it seems like an easy way out.
I am a mother of 3, and also a nursing student. The first thing I learned in pathophysiology is that all drugs are poisons and also herbals. Just because it is a herb, it can also have negative effects just like drugs. With too much medication, you are only overworking the children's body. Just think of it, do you know why children die of cancer? It's not the cancer itself, but the overall drugs that were put in their body that made it shut down. I am sorry to say, but American parents are abusing the medicine on their children. There are children dying from acenatophen. According to the news, I read that the FDA was considering taking off the OTC medicines for children under age of 6. What does that tell you? Most OTC medicines for children have a small therapuetic effect anyways.
Parent's that pay attention KNOW their children. Parent's that KNOW themselves, know their children even better. Just because someone has M.D. behind their name doesn't mean they know what they are doing. My now 16 yr. old son still stays up til at least midnight every night. I have adult ADHD, his father had ADD. My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and a host of other things since the age of four. He is the child of 2 addicts. Genetically speaking, he didn't stand a chance. He took clonidine and ritalin as a child, and after years of behavioral and educational problems he quit school, and I was afraid he had given up on himself and life. Matters were complicated when his grandmother took him to a new pediatrician who didn't believe in the "genetic" factors and began prescribing him VALIUM at age 12 for a sore back.(football)Now, thanks to a wonderful group of teachers, therapists, and doctors, he has gotten his GED, a job, and will start Technical college this summer. He had to be detoxed for benzodiazapene addiction, and is now on an anti-depressant and occasionally takes melatonin. To make a long story a bit longer, realize this; children are a GIFT! They did not ask to come into this world. If they inconvenience us, we should have used birth control. Pay attention to your child's individual needs, no two are completely alike. Don't be afraid to get 2nd or even 3rd opinions. Most of all, let them know they are loved, even when they wear you out. That alone makes a huge difference to their little minds.
No way!!! Actually, it will damage child's nerves and according to latest research of London University of Optimum Nutrition will cause even more problems in the future. You can find more information in these books: kids-iq.com
I do not have kids of my own but I have two step children and I pratically raised my siblings(yes, five of them). I believe that the parents are always right, no matter what the doctor says. Obviously, you know your children and family better than they do. If you have tried the bedtime routine, dimming lights, eliminating caffeine, etc and have exhausted all of the other avenues, then why not try drugs. My eight year old step daughter wakes up crying and screaming in the middle of the night for absolutely no reason, she is happy and well adjusted during the daytime and is not afraid of being alone in her room at night. To be up for all but 2 hours of the day really takes a toll on our health, and the health of the kids. They come down with strep throat and flu often. To throw around the word ABUSE is RIDCULOUS!!! People say the word abuse for everything. Little Jimmy didn't get his brand of cereal at the grocery store, how mean. People that like to do things like that make it so much harder for parents to be good parents. DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY AND HAPPY!!
As a grandma (Mamaw) of 2 boys that are both high functioning autisim/bipolar,ADHD,etc. I am in favor of a little help in helping them get to sleep at bedtime. They are 2 years apart in age and the first 5 years for my daughter (Mom) were nothing short of pure hell. They never slept and never at the same time. Dr. visit after visit was pointless. We were told they were just "active" they will "outgrow" it. They will sleep "when they are sleepy." And of coarse there was the common phrase of "he's just a little slow but he'll catch up!" Not until the oldest was 5 yrs. old did we get any kind of help. Sleep study should be done for the safety of all children and to ensure the medication do not wind up in the wrong hands.
As a grandma (Mamaw) of 2 boys that are both high functioning autisim/bipolar,ADHD,etc. I am in favor of a little help in helping them get to sleep at bedtime. They are 2 years apart in age and the first 5 years for my daughter (Mom) were nothing short of pure hell. They never slept and never at the same time. Dr. visit after visit was pointless. We were told they were just "active" they will "outgrow" it. They will sleep "when they are sleepy." And of coarse there was the common phrase of "he's just a little slow but he'll catch up!" Not until the oldest was 5 yrs. old did we get any kind of help. Sleep study should be done for the safety of all children and to ensure the medication do not wind up in the wrong hands.
As a grandma (Mamaw) of 2 boys that are both high functioning autisim/bipolar,ADHD,etc. I am in favor of a little help in helping them get to sleep at bedtime. They are 2 years apart in age and the first 5 years for my daughter (Mom) were nothing short of pure hell. They never slept and never at the same time. Dr. visit after visit was pointless. We were told they were just "active" they will "outgrow" it. They will sleep "when they are sleepy." And of coarse there was the common phrase of "he's just a little slow but he'll catch up!" Not until the oldest was 5 yrs. old did we get any kind of help. Sleep study should be done for the safety of all children and to ensure the medication do not wind up in the wrong hands.
I don't think any parent should feel guilty about following the recomendations of their Dr. That being said, TURKEY IS A GREAT SLEEP AID, it must be real turkey not pressed ot fake turkey. I used to cook a turkey breast and keep it in the freezer (until I needed it). This is my bedtime routine dinner, some quite time, ie reading, TV (nothing loud or exciting) or talk time. Followed by a warm bath with lavender bathbeads. Warm jammys and lying down with him for a set amount of time ie..5-10 minutes. I am a grandma now and this has worked for me for over 30 years. #1, kids have to feel that they won't miss anything by going to sleep (so try not to talk about what's on TV later ect...) #2, the have to be sleepy when they go to bed, if they don't seem to be sleepy at 8 try changing bedtime to 8:30. #3, children ALWAYS sleep better when they feel loved and they DON'T sleep well when they feel stressed. #4 DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU WHAT TIME YOUR KIDS NEED TO GO TO BED, just because 8pm works for your neighbors child does not mean it is what your child needs. But if all else fails and your child needs meds, DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE A BAD PARENT, YOU'RE NOT!!
My son is 5 years old and has Autism. We also are sure he has ADHD as it runs so strongly on my side of the family. All of the boys have it! And you can see it in him clear as day even if no doctor will so much as acknowledge it due to his autism. But to the point, we have had alot of success with small doses of melatonin (1mg at night) he at least gets half a nights sleep now (10pm-3am on average). Before that it was next to nothing,an hour and a half tops!It varies a bit lately as he seems to be building a tolerance. we are currently trying to get more input as to if it is a good idea to increase from 1 mg at night to 2 mg so that he might make it through the whole night,like he did when he first started on it. As of yet we havent noticed ANY negative side effects after 6 months.
I think this whole discussion really boils down to the benefit of your child. if giving your child Melatonin helps him to be himself and doesnt have side effects, why WOULDN'T you give them the oppurtunity? I am honestly against most medication since from age 6-16 ive taken just about everything (usually at double the maximum dosage due to my tolerance) out there for my ADHD. It may not be for everyone but, at some point you need to stop worrying about your preconcieved notions, and focus on the childs best interests.
June2699So what am I to do to help my child fall asleep at night and stay asleep... She is five and she doesn't go to sleep until 11pm most nights and is up through out the night rocking in her bed then she will wake up at 7am. Crabby and very tired. She goes to school and is out of it cause she is tired..
She was diagnosed with Absence seizures and she is on medicine for that and that medicine should be making her drowsy but it doesn't!
Now she has not been on any types of medicine for her sleep issue but wondering if that is the way to go.. I have spoken to her neurologist but he did have much to say on the issue..
HELP
concerened
I think giving sleep meds to a child is wrong on so many levels.. If that child has a poblem and you are advised by a doctor to give your child this medication than that is an entirely differnt story..But even at that it is still wrong. I understand the importance of a child getting there sleep I have 3 myself and at 11p.m. when my 2 and 5year old are still up I am annoyed as a parent we need our "alone" time to unwind from the day get some stuff done you cant do when kids are up ect.. but i would never give my kids a sleep aid med. If they are not sleeping properly you need to re asess your routine and try to see if something is going on at home or in the childs life that might be bothering them to the point of refusing sleep.. and a child that is violent well that is not only due to lack of sleep most kids who are violent see violence.. and should be taken to the doc for evaulation to find out the prob. I hate parents who just chalk it up as oh what the hell give them a pill that will fix it. no parent is perfect by any means and you know you just might not be spending enough time with you kids doing enough activities with your child or showing them enough love and attention. so before you shove that next sleeping pill down your kids throat re evlauate yourself and your parenting methood then if some changes in your life dont work let a doc decided if sleeping pills are the right choice they went to medical school for a reason.
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