Insomnia can occur at any age. Insomnia is defined as the inability to go to sleep or stay asleep. Children can develop insomnia through poor bedtime habits or certain medical conditions. A few natural sleep aids can help children drift off without the use of potentially harmful prescription medications.
Symptoms of Insomnia in Children
In the March 4, 2005 issue of "Psychiatric News," Dr. Judith Owens says there is no standard set of symptoms that defines pediatric insomnia. However, symptoms may include difficulty falling or staying asleep; a severe, chronic or frequent sleep problem, associated with problems functioning in the daytime; or a primary sleep disorder or one associated with medical or psychiatric disorders.
Owens says to watch for excessive daytime sleepiness that can lead to behavioral deficits, mood disturbances or changes in personality.
Causes of Insomnia in Children
While the cause of pediatric insomnia is not clear, according to an article in the December 21, 2007 issue of "Psychiatric News," author Jun Yan states that conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder and anxiety can cause sleep disturbances. Also, medications like amphetamines or excessive evening stimulation may also lead to sleep problems. Often, poor sleep habits or a simple power struggle may be at the root of nighttime battles.
Types of Natural Sleep Aids
Yan states that no medications are currently approved for pediatric insomnia. He advises that medications be used cautiously and suggests that natural sleep methods be employed to help children fall asleep.
Yan recommends employing good "sleep hygiene." This may include substituting relaxing activities for overstimulating activities near bedtime, delaying the onset of sleep until the child is sleepy, then slowly resuming an earlier bedtime and keeping track of naps and bedtime activities to target problems.
Relaxing activities that can encourage sleep include reading, drinking a cup of warm milk or chamomile tea and taking a bath or having a massage with lavender essential oil, which has soothing properties.
Psychotherapist and host of the Canadian television program, "The Parenting Show," Alyson Schafer suggests using a white noise device to help children fall and stay asleep. She recommends using a machine that emits 80 decibels, equal to the sound of a vacuum cleaner.
Melatonin is a chemical produced by the pineal gland in the body. The National Institutes of Health recommend the use of melatonin for some cases of childhood insomnia. The medical website, Drugs.com, states that doses of 2 to 5 mg have been used in children.
Benefits of Natural Sleep Aids
Using natural sleep aids can help prevent daytime sleepiness and behavioral problems. According to the Franklin Institute, children who have trouble falling or staying asleep experience more frequent aggression and other behavioral issues. Avoiding the use of prescription medications for pediatric insomnia can protect children from potentially harmful side effects. Using natural methods to help children fall asleep may also help prevent some of the power struggles that go along with an inability to fall asleep.
Risks of Natural Sleep Aids
While there is little risk of dependency on natural sleep aids, Drugs.com states that side effects of melatonin can include depression, dizziness, daytime sleepiness, headache or nausea. Consult a doctor before using melatonin in children.
The use of a white noise machine or other sound-masking devices may make it more difficult for a child to fall asleep without them.
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