Are you wondering if melatonin for kids works or not? Want to know its effects on the health of kids? Is it safe for use in children with ADHD? Let me answer all of such types of questions.

Melatonin, a naturally-produced sleep hormone, is just what you need for your children. Its normal secretion helps the human body to maintain the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. 

Although the human body automatically produces this hormone, many people now start taking it in liquid forms or pills to avoid sleep disorders.

Children who undergo sleep difficulties, i.e., autistic disorders, may benefit from melatonin supplements. If left unchecked for longer, these disorders lead to obesity, premature aging, hypertension, and behavioral problems in children.

Melatonin not only aids in better sleep, but it can do much more for your body. It helps people to cope with other health problems. This article will tell you what melatonin is and its benefits and risks to human health.

What is Melatonin?

In the middle of the brain, hardly a pea-sized structure is present, called pineal glands. This gland is responsible for the production of average concentrations of melatonin. It is synthesized from amino acid tryptophan and released into the blood. It sends the message to the agonist receptor in the brain and other parts of the body.

Darkness triggers the regular production of melatonin, while light affects its concentration reversely. During the day, the production of melatonin is slow. But in the evening, it puts your body in a state of dizziness and prepares it for consistent and sound sleep at night.

It is present in many foods and can also get in supplements or pills form, which are exact mimics of natural melatonin.

What Does Melatonin Do?

Melatonin is an essential hormone that your body needs to fulfill its sleeping desires. The normal functioning of this hormone leads to improving the immune system and cortisol concentrations. Suppression of this hormone in many people can ultimately lead to insomnia and other health disorders.

By binding to a variety of receptors, it can let you enjoy sound sleep at night. Like, when it binds to brain-receptors, it minimizes the secretion of dopamine(a hormone responsible for your waking up in the morning).

As discussed above, the secretion of melatonin is regulated by the brain’s pineal glands, and the brain is the chief controller of many bodily functions. So, its normal secretion not only ensures your mental health but also regulates other body functions as well.

• Promote eye health
• Reduce chances of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• Control insomnia

Is Melatonin Safe?

It’s not surprising that, as a parent, you probably have some safety concerns. If you surf the related website, is melatonin for kids safe or not, you will indeed have even more confusion. Let me clear all your doubts.

As far as its safety is concerned, adults should use it for the short term to have relief from sleeping disorders. For the majority of people, it is safe. But still, some people can face severe complications after its continuous consumption.

Excessive intake may lead to the feeling of tiredness even during the day. This may be disturbing if you have an exhausting daily routine. It may also interfere with normal blood pressures and elevate its levels from normal.

As you know, melatonin is a hormone itself. So there are chances that more than the standard dosage of this supplement could disturb hormonal balance. It can upset puberty and normal menstrual flow in women.

For Children

A study revealed that about 25% of school-going children have sleeping disorders. So, if you are a parent of any child facing such a problem, it’s time to take it seriously.

Wandering to know is melatonin safe for toddlers? Researchers revealed that children who intake synthetic melatonin for 2 to 3 years show no harmful effects.

According to research, melatonin supplements combined with ADHD medications were proved beneficial for children with Attention deficit disorders.

Most importantly, you should not give melatonin to your child in any form if sleeping disorders are situational (temporary anxiety or nervousness).

To deal with temporary anxiety, firstly, you should instead try relaxation techniques. If these do not work, then consider using melatonin after consulting with your healthcare provider.

For Adults

Researchers find its normal dosage safe and effective in increasing HGH (Human Growth Hormone) levels in adults.

For Older Adults

Do you know secretion of natural melatonin decrease with age? This reduction may lead to restlessness, lack of sleep, and discomfort in older people. A study conducted in 2013 proved that synthetic melatonin appears to increase sleeping hours in older adults.

Researchers are also working hard to see the benefits of melatonin for:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Seasonal depression

Side Effects of Melatonin for kids

Even though melatonin is harmless and non-addictive, it can still negatively impact your wellness if used in particular circumstances.

• In people with sensitive skin, it may cause severe allergic reactions. 
• If you are a mom-to-be, you should avoid using it without a doctor’s advice. If you continue its intake, it may put an adverse reaction on the health of the fetus.
• Excessive intake can prompt your body to suppress the normal secretion of natural melatonin.
• If you use some medications, i.e., blood thinners, antidepressants, anti-epilepsy medicines, stop their consumption right now.

Following are some other short-term side-effects:

• Nausea
• High or low blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Bedwetting
• Stomach problem
• Headaches

However, these side effects are very rare in children.

Does to give – Melatonin for kids?

Every person’s body has different immunity. Therefore, it responds differently to various medications and supplements, so the exact dose varies with one’s age.

First of all, let me tell you that you must consult your doctor about its clear-cut dosage as always. It would be best to begin with lower doses and gradually increase with your body’s needs. Let’s have a look at the recommended dosage for all ages:

For Children

The amount of melatonin for toddlers ranges from 0.5-3 mg in 2 divided doses per day. The natural ability of our body to produce melatonin also lies in this range. A 1-2 year child may need a somewhat high dose, i.e., 2-6 mg.

For Adults

When it comes to adults, the dosage of 1-10mg per day is allowed to intake. If dosage exceeds the recommended range, it can put one’s health at risk.

For Older Adults

Older adults can take 2mg of melatonin supplement per day for 3-4 months to see positive results. To enjoy peaceful and sound sleep, make sure to take it 1-2 hours before sleep.

Buy Nature’s Essentials Melatonin Supplements

If you’ve ever found yourself in confusion about the quality of melatonin supplements just before buying, keep reading. We know there are many supplements available in the market, so it can be exhausting to find the right one.

It’s quite surprising that natural melatonin derived from the pineal gland of an animal is also available in the market. But researchers and doctors are not satisfied if it’s safe or risky. At the same time, synthetic melatonin is more safe and effective.

First of all, before buying the supplements, consider the following factors:

• Does the FDA register the brand?
• Are all the ingredients safe?
• Do all the customers satisfy with products?

Following is a list of the best melatonin supplements:

• Nature’s Essentials Melatonin 10mg (3mg Immediate Release & 7mg Extended Release)
• Natrol Melatonin
• Puritan’s Pride Super Strength Melatonin Nighttime Sleep Aid 10 mg
• Gorilla Mind
• JJ Virgin

Here at “Nature’s Essentials,” you can buy melatonin supplements with the best ingredients and price that suits you. You can find highly researched and best-reviewed products here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe for kids to take melatonin?

Its short-term use in children is generally safe. But, if used for longer, it may negatively disturb the process of sexual development.

How much melatonin can a child take?

The moderate amount of this sleep-supporting supplement ranges from 1-6 mg in children. Researchers recommend taking a start with a low dose—most likely 1 to 2 milligrams and gradually increasing up to 2 to 3 milligrams for older children.

Can kids take melatonin every night?

It is harmless to take melatonin supplements every night, but only for the short term and according to the suggested amounts. You can give the supplement right 1-2 hours before the intended bedtime.

At what age can you give kids melatonin?

You should try your best not to give melatonin supplements to your child with an age less than 3 years. But still, if necessary, you can give 0.5-2mg in 2-3 divided doses with care. If this dose does not work, consult your doctor.

Conclusion

I hope this article may be helpful for all you need to know how melatonin for kids works? Still, as you know, the FDA does not register the use of any supplements for sleeping disorders; it would be best if you consult a doctor before using them.

Sometimes, the reason behind lack of sleep at night is continuous exposure to light before sleeping hours. This may suppress the normal secretion of melatonin and disturb the sleep-wake cycle. If so, you can reduce the problem by limiting exposure to bright light, mainly blue light, before the desired bedtime.

Remember, melatonin cannot replace a good sleeping routine. So, it is also essential to try lifestyle changes to get more satisfactory results along with these supplements.