Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that has been used to treat insomnia in many populations, including both adults and children. While it can improve sleep patterns in children with hyperactive behavior, it does not necessarily have any impact on the behaviors themselves. Before using melatonin, be sure to discuss any potential side effects with your child's doctor.
What Melatonin Is
Melatonin is a hormone that is thought to play a role in the sleep cycle. Melatonin is produced naturally by the body, in greater amounts when it is dark outside, which is when most people tend to sleep. Those who are on the night shift or who are jet-lagged, however, may not produce enough melatonin to induce sleep. This is when the synthetic form comes in handy. Synthetic melatonin may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. It is not just for weary travelers, however: melatonin has become a popular natural sleep aid for people with chronic disorders that also affect sleeping patterns, including ADHD.
ADHD and Sleep
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, causes children to be excessively impulsive and unable to focus. In addition to behavioral disturbances, many children with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping at night. For some, this is due to the stimulants they take to keep their behaviors under control. While there is some promising evidence that melatonin can improve sleep patterns for children with neurological and psychiatric disorders, there is little evidence that those with ADHD show any benefits from taking the supplement. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that there is some evidence that melatonin may have benefits for those with ADHD, based on its potential sleep cycle effects.
Melatonin and Hyperactivity
Melatonin's calming effects are currently under research. The supplement has been shown to reduce pre-operative anxiety. In addition, MayoClinic.com reports that melatonin has also been used as a temporary substitute for those weaning off of traditional sedatives like diazepam. However, these results do not translate into calming effects for everyone. There is currently no evidence that melatonin has any impact on hyperactive behaviors. Both Medline Plus and UMMC agree that of the few research studies that have examined melatonin use in children with ADHD, the supplement had little impact on behavior.
Guidelines and Dosage Recommendations
First, never give your child a supplement, even one that occurs naturally in the body, without first discussing it with his pediatrician. Once a doctor clears its use, the UMMC reports that children can safely take up to 0.3 mg of melatonin a day. Taking more than this could be dangerous. According to UMMC, kids under 15 years of age may develop seizures if they take the adult dose of melatonin, which varies from 1 to 5 mg per day. If you notice any unusual side effects after your child takes melatonin, such as drowsiness or depression, discuss it with your child's doctor as soon as possible.
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