Natural Sleep Aids for Children

During their early life, children have an erratic sleep pattern. Their bodies are yet to establish a fixed sleep-wake cycle. As a result, they may give you a hard time while putting them to bed. However, there is no need for you to get exasperated reading stories to them or dry your throat out singing lullabies. Certain natural sleep aids may induce sleep in your child and also help in establishing a convenient sleep routine. Besides, the natural origin of these medications makes them very safe for use in children.

Natural Sleep Aids for Children with Insomnia

Children are often restless and hyperactive. For sleep induction, a fair amount of tranquility is required. You can only sleep properly when your mind is calm. Your body, then produces the required hormones and neurotransmitters which induce sleep. However, as children are rarely in a state of peace, their bodies cannot signal their brain to produce these neurotransmitters. Thus, they may have difficulty getting asleep and may eventually suffer from insomnia. If a child shows sound mental and physical development and that there are no underlying health issues that may interfere with her sleep pattern, then one can definitely rely on external methods of inducing sleep in such children.

These children can benefit from the use of chamomile. Chamomile is a herb which has a soothing effect on nerves. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, hence, can also be used for minor ailments such as upset stomach, infections etc. Chamomile is readily available at any herbal store. German chamomile is best taken in the form of tea, while Roman chamomile can be taken as tincture due to its very bitter taste.

Another herbal remedy that is entirely safe and effective in resolving sleep disorders in children is lemon balm. Lemon balm can also be taken in the form of tea, as it is very tasty. It helps in inducing sleep by calming nerves and reducing restlessness. Although, there are no known side effects of this herb, one must understand that there is no enough research on this herb to derive a definite conclusion.

Natural Sleep Aids for Children with ADHD

Children suffering from behavioral disorders such as ADHD are unable to produce sufficient levels of melatonin on their own. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by pineal gland in the brain. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle in human beings. Lack of melatonin often results in insomnia. Melatonin levels in children can be controlled by giving melatonin supplements. Although, they are safe for children, they are generally not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Besides, you should not go for 'natural' melatonin as it is derived from animal sources, thereby increasing the possibility of contamination. Synthetic grade melatonin is far safer in that regard.

Valerian is another herbal remedy that is effective in inducing sleep in children suffering from ADHD. However, it has certain side effects such as dizziness, weakened heartbeat, nausea, vivid dreams etc. For this reason, it is often combined with other herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile etc., when administering on children.

Home Remedies for Inducing Sleep

It has been found that children do not have any sleep problems once they manage to establish a sleep routine. You can help your child in establishing a fixed routine by bathing her after dinner with warm water. Change her into comfortable night clothing. A glass of warm milk also helps in inducing sleep naturally. Put her in bed and read a couple of bed time stories. Turn the lights off after specific time. Stick to this routine every night, so that your child's body acclimatizes to this routine. You will eventually get fewer sleep problems from your child.

Natural sleep aids mentioned in this article are not FDA approved for treating sleep problems in children. Hence, one must be careful about the dosage and length of treatment. None of these medications should be used for more than 6 weeks. In any case, it is best to consult your doctor.