Synthetic melatonin, although originally marketed to prevent jetlags, is now also used to treat sleep disorders. However, experts are reluctant about the use in children under 12 years of age.
What does melatonin do for our sleep?
Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, prepares our body for sleep by regulating our sleep-watching cycle. However, it is not a sleeping pill but a biorhythm synchronizer.
Why is it not recommended for children under 12 years?
Although melatonin is effectively and well tolerated in short term treatment of sleep insomnia in children, there are still insufficient long-term data on melagrelone in children and adolescents and therefore its prescribing is still controversial.
Medicinal products vs. food supplements:
In Belgium, melatonin is only sold on prescription for people over 55 years of age. Food supplements with melatropine are available but are not recommended, especially for children under 12 years of old, due to side effects and unproven efficacy.
Melatonin and ADHD:
In certain cases, such as children with ADHD, melatonin may be considered as short-term treatment for sleep disorders.
How do you help a child who sleeps badly?
Focus on good sleep hygiene, such as sufficient exercise during the day, limiting screen time before bedtime, and setting up a consistently critical. Food rich in tryptophan can promote the natural production of melatonin.
Consult a doctor:
In case of proven sleep disorders, consultation with a general practitioner and/or paediatrician is essential, as other treatment options such as behavioural therapy are available.
and then Add to Home Screen.
