Sleep disorders in children require different treatment methods than adults use. Should prescription medications be used to treat sleep disorders in children? No. Medication should only be taken as a last resort when other treatment options fail to solve the problem, and then, only with a doctor’s approval.

Consult a Health Professional
Parents should consult their child’s pediatrician or health professional if they suspect a sleeping disorder. Underlying medical or psychological conditions need to be addressed first. A sleep study might be ordered. This will determine what type of sleep disorder bothers your child. Typically, doctors want to address behavior first.

Not FDA-approved
Prescription sleeping pills are not FDA approved for use in children. Using a sleep aide can become an addictive habit. Your child should not take any dosage of a prescription or over-the-counter sleep aide. The side effects associated with sleeping tablets are risky for children. Avoid dispensing prescription medication to your child to combat any sleep disorder.

Is Melatonin a Prescription Drug?
Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone commonly used to control sleep disturbances. Produced by the pineal gland, melatonin peaks production during the night because secretion is stimulated by the dark and slowed down by light. Even though it is touted for its help with sleep disorders, studies about melatonin’s benefits are inconclusive. Never give melatonin to your child without explicit instructions from a pediatrician.

Parents whose children suffer from a sleep disorder should contact the family pediatrician or health provider instead of considering the use of prescription drugs. Lack of sleep causes problems that will only be compounded by the use of a prescribed medication.