The other day my daughter was “freaking out” that summer was almost over and that meant going back to school was around the corner. “Summer is too short!” she screamed! I know, it’s going fast I commiserated with her!
Getting ready for school means the end of long summer days and easy breezy nites and the return to an early bedtime so that your child can be well rested for the school day. But what if your child has a hard time falling asleep at nite? Recently I have been hearing about giving kids melatonin to help them fall asleep. Melatonin is a hormone that helps you fall asleep by setting your internal clock. It’s available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in the US. But is it safe for kids? Most studies show that melatonin is safe with little to no side effects, but the long-term effects of melatonin supplements in kids are largely unknown. It is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor before giving melatonin to your child. As an alternative to giving your child melatonin, there are plenty of natural ways to help your child fall asleep. These include setting a bedtime, limiting technology use before bed, creating a bedtime routine, getting plenty of sunlight during the day and helping them relax before bed. Creating the right bedtime environment is the key to your child’s well being.