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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » melatonin ok for kids long term?

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Author

Topic: melatonin ok for kids long term?

rosebuds mom
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 17435

posted

I was wondering what every one gives their kids

for sleep. Our holistic llmd has us using

Melatonin. Is it safe for prolonged periods of

time? I know there are no long term studies in

children for it. It kinda makes me nervous

because its a hormone. I don't feel great about

the other sleep alternatives either so I am

stuck.

I keep going around in circles about this.

what does every one else do?

Posts: 118 | From Here | Registered: Sep 2008 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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I can't seem to find the citation for that but some discussion is here about how no one under the age of 25 should take melatonin.

I think the link is somewhere is one of the links at this thread. Go about 3/4 of the way down for comments about it.

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http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/77321

Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements

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I'll look for the source of the comment another day - when I have some energy. There are other good links at that thread that may be helpful.

-

[ 04-04-2009, 11:38 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

-

I hate it when I do that - say something and don't provide the link verifying it. I KNOW I read that recently or I would not have typed it but I did a quick search and nothing pops up.

A Google search for "melatonin, children" does bring up some links that say it's okay - in very small doses. But I still would be highly guarded.

Here are just a couple links to consider - in addition to the comments at the sleep thread. Melatonin makes me absolutely suicidal every time I try it. Every time.

I'm done for the day but this question will nag me so I'll come back another day.

============

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/448467

Is Melatonin Safe for Children?

==

http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/717/

Melatonin Effective for Insomnia in Children

=======

http://www.ottawaplus.ca/feature/winter_guide/60073/taking_care_winter_health.jsp

The Melatonin Monster: SAD is caused by a surplus of melatonin in the brain.

Melatonin is a hormone linked to depression, and production of melatonin is increased in the dark.

Short days and long nights mean more melatonin.

More melatonin means depression.

How can you beat the melatonin monster? If you're already depressed, try getting outside. Increased exercise and exposure to sunlight can help beat the winter blues.

Go for a walk! Go skating, snowshoeing, or skiing. Talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend phototherapy, or exposure to a safe light, emitted from a light box you can purchase, for a few minutes a day.

If it's in your budget, take a sun holiday. Talk to your travel agent about heading down south.

=======

You might search this site for sleep help for children:

http://oneearthherbs.squarespace.com

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tillotson, et.al.)

Look up Milk Oat seed and also Scullcap.

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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

pab
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 904

posted

What dose is she taking? My kids neurosurgeon & LLMD recommended Melatonin for sleep. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for them.

--------------------
Peggy

~ ~ Hope is a powerful medicine. ~ ~

Posts: 2775 | From MN | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged |

rosebuds mom
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 17435

posted

Keebler, thank you so much for all the great

info,I am learning new things.

During her most intense herxs she was prescribed

6mg before bed. (Which in retrospct seems like

alot). It helped for a while. Her general

health has improved alot, thankfully.

I have stopped giving it to her because I read

that it could be dangerous for children. Also,

she was having terrible mightmares, which I

found out is one of the side effects. Her llmd

had said that it was safe so I am confused. My

daughter still has insomnia and so I am looking

for something else for her.

Thanks every one for your thoughtful suggestions.

Rosebudsmom

Posts: 118 | From Here | Registered: Sep 2008 | IP: Logged |

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