Melatonin for Kids Will Help the Kiddos Go To Sleep So Much Faster
If your child has trouble sleeping, you may want to try melatonin supplement. Here are our top picks of the best kid-friendly melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces to regulate sleep-wake cycles. The release of melatonin by the pineal gland in the brain helps regulate the circadian rhythm of the body.
Some people might be deficient in melatonin, which can cause insomnia or other sleep disorders. However, it's important to note that while melatonin is non-habit forming, drug-free, and can help your kids to get a night of restful sleep. However, it is not a cure-all for insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Melatonin has been shown to help people fall asleep faster and sleep better, and improve sleep quality for people with insomnia, shift work disorder, or other sleep-related problems, jet lag. It also helps children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fall asleep easier.
Sleep benefits of melatonin are plentiful, but it should be noted that it should not be taken as a long-term treatment for insomnia or any other sleep disorder.
Best Brands of Melatonin for Kids
Melatonin is a sleep aid for kids, which has been used for decades to help with chronic sleep issues. A survey conducted by the Sleep Specialist found that more than half of children and adolescents take some form of melatonin dietary supplements as a sleep aid.
Most children who take melatonin are prescribed it by their doctor, but many parents are turning to over-the-counter brands as well. There are many brands of melatonin for kids on the market. But, here are some of the best melatonin supplements:
We independently research, review and recommend what we think are the best products that meet your needs. If you buy a product through one of our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Natrol Kids Melatonin Gummies are worth it. They're third-party tested, affordable, and free from artificial flavors.
Natural berry flavor, gluten-free, and vegan melatonin gummies are a tasty way to get your vitamin C. Made with cane sugar, they're also a healthier treat than traditional gummy bears!
Natrol recommends taking your gummy 20-30 minutes before bedtime. This product has been third-party tested by ConsumerLab and was found to be produced according to current good manufacturing practices (CGMP).
LUNA Kids isn't recommended for kids under 4, but if your pediatrician recommends a low dose of melatonin, it's a great option at just 0.2 mg. It is a vegan, non-GMO, and 3rd party tested product.
The supplement comes in a delicious tropical natural berry flavor chewable tablet that is naturally sweetened with stevia and is designed to be taken 30 minutes before bed.
In addition to melatonin, the supplement includes lemon balm powder, valerian root powder, and chamomile flower powder. Limited research suggests that lemon balm may help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, though more research on its use for sleep in children is needed.
Valerian root extract also can promote sleep. The FDA has deemed it generally safe, but research on its use in children is limited.It's worth noting that this product also contains xylitol, which can be unsafe for pets. For humans, consuming too much can lead to stomach upset.
Tired Teddies are mainly supplement that contains a lower dose of melatonin. The 4g capsules come in a sealed blister pack, and you're meant to open and mix the contents into any food or drink 30-40 mins before bedtime. They ought to be suitable for kids aged 2+.
The product also contains 100 mg of a proprietary blend made up of chamomile, lemon balm, and lettuce.
The manufacturer does not list the amount of each specific ingredient in their proprietary blend. This means that the product isn't a good option if your child has a sensitivity to any of the ingredients listed on their site.
This powder is manufactured in a third-party, NSF-certified facility to ensure purity, potency, and safety.
The natural berry flavor liquid with melatonin is a popular choice for parents with children, as it's easily swallowed and also works quickly. Some kids might prefer the liquid form of medicine, as opposed to taking a pill.
This product is sweetened with artificial sweeteners, which may be unsuitable for some parents. The 1-mg dose can be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. This has been clinically tested and shown to be safe in doses up to 3 milligrams per day.
How We Chose the Best Melatonin for Kids
Type: We have included gummy and chewable, and liquid supplements.
Price: We carry a range of melatonin products at different price points, no matter what budget you're working with.
Recommended Age: We have a variety of products for many different age groups including toddlers, and school-age children.
Quality: We searched for products that have third-party certification, labels, or logos that show they have been independently tested so you can be confident in their purity.
Vetting: Our list has been vetted to ensure that the supplements on it align with our integrity standards.
The Importance of Sleep for Kids
Sleep is important for children, but sometimes they don't get enough of it. This is because they are more active and have more energy than adults. The problem with not getting enough sleep is that it can cause a variety of health problems.
One study found that children who slept less than 8 hours per night had a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Another study of sleep disorders in children is that they had higher levels of cortisol - the stress hormone - in their blood.
Some of the reasons why children may not be sleeping well are as follows:
- The child has a restless mind
- The child has an irregular bedtime routine
- The child does not have any control over their environment
- The child is exposed to light late at night suppresses melatonin production
Best Melatonin for Kids FAQs
Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?
Melatonin is safe for children, but it should not be given to them regularly. Melatonin is not generally recommended for healthy children under age 3.
Can kids take melatonin every night?
It is often common for children to develop sleep issues as they grow. A doctor's visit can help to assess the causes and provide solutions.
There is not enough evidence to show the long-term effects of melatonin use in children; however, some studies indicate that it may affect hormone production.
Does blue light affect sleep?
Blue LED lights cause the most disruption of melatonin levels. The blue light emitting from cellphones and computers can trick the brain into thinking that it's daytime, leading to insomnia or a disrupted sleep schedule.
It's recommended children, should avoid blue light an hour before their bedtime. If your child is not getting restful sleep, try establishing a bedtime routine.
Can Melatonin Help Kids Fall Asleep?
If your kids are struggling to fall asleep at night, melatonin supplements may help. Some studies have shown that melatonin can help initiate sleep in children, so it may be worth considering.
Is Melatonin Safe for Babies?
Infants are still under development. There are no long-term studies on melatonin use in babies.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor to find the root of the problem and help you work on a solution.
How Much Melatonin Is Too Much?
There are a variety of different doses for melatonin depending on your age, but the most common dosage is 0.5-5 milligrams taken 1 hour before bedtime.
How Does Melatonin Work?
Melatonin is a supplement used as an alternative to over-the-counter medications to treat insomnia. For kids, it's typically at a lower dosage than for adults (1mg - 3mg) and is considered safe.
When Should Melatonin Be Taken?
The best time to take melatonin is 90-120 minutes before bed. This will allow the body to metabolize the melatonin and trigger the signals associated with sleep.
How Much Melatonin Can I Give My Child?
A recent study found that at least half of the children that were given a 3 mg or 6 mg dose of melatonin each had improvements in sleep onset, duration, and quality. The study focused on kids with ADHD who ranged in age from 6 to 12 years old.
How to Get Kids Started on a Natural Sleep Aid
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that has been used for decades. Since supplements are not regulated, so they may not always contain what they say they do or they may have a different dosage than what is stated on the bottle. It's best to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements for sleep issues and make sure you are doing everything you can to get restful sleep.
There are plenty of benefits to taking melatonin including:
- Helps you get to sleep faster
- Makes it easier to fall asleep
- Helps you stay asleep
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces the time it takes to fall back asleep if you wake up during the night
The common side effects of melatonin include:
- It can cause drowsiness and dizziness for some people
- It can affect your body's natural production of melatonin
The Different Forms and Methods of Taking Melatonin
Melatonin is often used to help people with insomnia, and it can also be used to treat delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Melatonin comes in many forms, including fast dissolving tablets, liquid, chewable, gummy, or pill form, but there are pros and cons to each one. The liquid form is more expensive but also more potent, whereas pills are cheaper but less potent. The best way to take melatonin depends on personal preference and what you need it for.
How Much Melatonin Should a Child Take?
The first way is to give your child a low dosage of melatonin before bedtime, which will help them fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. You can start with 1-3 mg of melatonin for children over 6 years old, though you may need to adjust the melatonin dose based on the child’s weight and age.
The amount of melatonin depends on the formulation and the age. The dosage for children can vary from .3 mg to 3 mg, depending on their weight and age.
Final Thoughts
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleeping and waking cycles. Your body produces certain levels of melatonin but in the case of disrupted sleep, some children may benefit from melatonin supplements.
Consider these 6 natural ways to facilitate sleep before turning to supplements:
- building a consistent bedtime routine
- limiting screen time to 1-2 hours before bedtime
- adding more melatonin-rich foods to their diet to boost melatonin levels