Sleep hygiene
Using melatonin for toddlers and sleep hygiene can help kids get a better night’s sleep. But it’s important to know which children may benefit from using it and how long it should be used. Many things can disrupt a child’s sleep. For example, a child with autism can have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep. Other medical conditions can also cause trouble sleeping, including high blood pressure or epilepsy. Taking melatonin can help reset the body clock, allowing a child to fall asleep more easily and feel refreshed.
Studies have shown that using melatonin in conjunction with proper sleep hygiene is more effective than taking it alone. According to the Sleep Research Society, a consistent bedtime routine can improve a child’s sleep. It’s also a good idea to use physical exercise during the morning to reset the body’s sleep/wake cycle. Using a meditation app can also promote sleep in older teens.
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland. It helps with sleep by telling the body it’s time to sleep. It’s especially helpful for children who have difficulty falling asleep or adjusting to a new schedule. In one study, a child with attention deficit disorder took melatonin for up to six months. He improved his behavior and felt better. However, he had trouble sleeping after the melatonin was stopped. Among kids who were treated with melatonin, 60% reported a decrease in their sleep concerns. In contrast, 14% of children who weren’t treated with melatonin continued to have sleep problems.
If your child has trouble falling asleep or adjusting to a new school schedule, talk to a doctor about melatonin. Most children are safe to take melatonin as long as they don’t use it sporadically or in large doses. A short-term course is recommended. If a child has ADHD or autism, he or she may need to take melatonin for a longer period of time. In addition, children with autoimmune disorders or diabetes should not use melatonin.
The FDA isn’t involved in the regulation of melatonin, so it’s important to consult your pediatrician before giving your child melatonin. If you decide to use melatonin, it’s important to follow the doctor’s advice. You don’t want to overdose your child or increase his or her urination. You should slowly cut back the dose over a few weeks.
In addition to melatonin, a consistent bedtime routine and exercise in the early morning can help improve a child’s sleep. You can also try meditation apps and other forms of mindfulness to help your child sleep better. Avoid using electronic devices, such as TVs, computers and cell phones, in the bedroom. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with melatonin production. It’s best to keep electronics out of the bedroom at least an hour before bedtime.
Before you give your child melatonin, you should also make sure that he or she has a consistent bedtime routine and isn’t eating close to bedtime. Several studies have shown that kids who have a regular bedtime routine fall asleep more easily. If your child has a hard time sleeping, talk to a doctor about the potential benefits of melatonin and other possible treatments.
Blue light from devices
Using blue light from electronic devices can negatively affect children’s sleep. It’s believed that the blue light from screens can interfere with the body’s ability to produce melatonin, a hormone that helps people feel alert and sleepy at night. In fact, numerous studies have found that exposure to light during the evening hours affects sleep. The effect may be more noticeable on younger kids. However, the effects of blue light can be limited by parents.
There are many ways to mitigate the effects of blue light on your child’s sleep. One of the most straightforward is to use eyewear that blocks the rays of blue light. Another way is to limit the amount of time your child spends with a screen. A digital curfew can also be implemented, in which you set a time to turn off all of your children’s devices. This may be difficult for older kids, but you can still model good sleep habits for them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids limit their screen time to two hours a day. The association between blue light and sleep is well documented. Research has shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to become hyperactive and experience mood swings. Poor sleep quality can also lead to problems in academic performance. It can even contribute to serious diseases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises that you keep electronic devices away from your child’s bedroom. Several electronic devices feature a “dark mode” that reduces the amount of blue light the device emits. You can even use an app that filters blue light from the screen at night.
You can also block the blue light from electronic devices by setting a digital curfew, which will help your child achieve better sleep. The curfew can be as early as two hours before bedtime, and you can set up reminders to tell your kids that they need to turn off their devices.
Other ways to minimize your child’s exposure to blue light include turning off all electronics an hour before bed, putting down the blue light-emitting screens, and setting up a technology-free zone in the home. These areas eliminate the chance of waking up from a tech-induced alert, and the temptation to use the device before bedtime. You can also try breathing exercises to relax before bed.
In addition to these tips, you should consider using blue light filtering glasses or apps. These products are widely sold online. You can also purchase a blue-light blocking nightlight. You can even try amber or brown-tinted lenses to reduce the amount of blue light your child is exposed to.
If you must use a device before bed, try using a red or yellow light for your nightlight. Some devices, such as the Amazon Fire TV, also have a night mode that allows for more blue light to be blocked. If you choose to use a nightlight, make sure that you switch out the bulb to a dim red or yellow light.