Melatonin helps special needs children sleep

August 6, 8:18 AMPittsburgh Special Needs Kids ExaminerHeather Shockney

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Melatonin can help your special needs child get some much needed sleep.
Photo created by Heather Shockney

Melatonin is a natural supplement that can be purchased over the counter. Everyone's body produces Melatonin. Some people just don't produce enough. This is often the case in special needs children.

Special needs children with ADHD, autism, etc. often have a hard time getting the sleep they need each night. They may sleep for a few hours and be ready to go again. This is not good for their body or their parents. It is hard enough dealing day to day with a special needs child, having both of you tired is only adding fuel to the fire.

Melatonin can help solve the sleeping problems. Many parents are offered some form of sleeping medication when they tell the doctor about their child's lack of sleep. Parents may worry that their child could have side effects from the prescription sleep medicine. Melatonin will not cause side effects for the large majority of people who take it.

Melatonin should be given at the lowest dose that works. Usually 1mg will be used when first starting the Melatonin. It is recommended that no more than 5mgs be used for children. Using more than 5mgs has been known to cause nightmares. Some special needs children already have nightmares so they do not need anything contributing to that problem.

Melatonin can be found at most drug stores and mass retailers like Wal-mart. You will usually find a bottle of 100 or so for around seven dollars. A bottle of Melatonin will last a long time. You may not need to use the Melatonin every night. it can be used as a last resort. If you have tried everything else and your special needs child just won't go to sleep then you have the option of giving them a Melatonin.

Melatonin works best by giving it to your special needs child about twenty to thirty minutes before bed time. Your child usually will not build up a resistance to the Melatonin if not used daily. If your special needs child is taking the Melatonin daily you may begin to notice the Melatonin losing some of its effectiveness after a long period of use. You can raise the dosage to the next level if you see this happening. Remember not to use more than 5mgs.

Note- While Melatonin is considered a safe treatment for sleep problems in special needs children, you should still talk to your child's doctor before taking it. Always consult a doctor before beginning any medicine or supplement.