What is the Link Among ADHD Kids, Sleep Problems & Melatonin?

 Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, which plays an important role in regulating sleep. Secreted by the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland located in the brain, Melatonin controls the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that controls when a person falls asleep and wakes up.

Since Melatonin is the master hormone that controls sleep patterns, many parents find that it will induce sleep in ADHD kids and help to alleviate insomnia and sleep disturbances that go along with ADHD treatment. Melatonin has been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, lengthen the time one stays asleep, and increase daytime alertness.

For such kids, it means that Melatonin will help to have a more normal sleep pattern, sleep longer, which helps your kid to be more alert and function better during the day. Best of all, since Melatonin is the natural chemical, your brain uses to regulate sleep, it enhances is normal sleeping patterns. Many drugs that induce sleep don't cause the body to reproduce natural sleep patterns; as a result, the kid often doesn't feel rested, even though he or she slept.

Melatonin dosage is a very individual thing. There are no guidelines. An amount that might be enough for one kid could have no effect on another kid. The size and weight of your kid don't seem to be a factor.

What is usually recommended when administering Melatonin is to start your ADHD kid on a very low dose and see how it works. You can slowly increase the amount that you give until you start to see positive results.

It is a good idea to start with a dose as low as 0.3 mg/day or less for young kids. In adults, 3 mg is usually considered a safe place to start. Although research shows that even a dose as high as 10mg is perfectly safe, it is best to proceed with caution.

Melatonin is one of the safest substances around. In one very extensive clinical research study a high dose of 75mg/day was give to 1400 women for a four-year period and there were no serious ill effects found. This suggests that you can experiment finding the right dose for your ADHD kid and not have to worry too much about causing harm.

The major side effects of taking too much Melatonin were daytime drowsiness and slowed reaction time.

The main side effects that your kid may experience are vivid dreams or nightmares. Some fewer common ones include stomach cramps, headaches, irritability, and dizziness. These side effects are found when healthy people take Melatonin.

Melatonin is an extremely powerful antioxidant, about 60 times as strong a vitamin C, and it can interact with certain medications.

The list includes medications that treat bipolar disorder, depression, and some ADHD medications. Melatonin also can interact with antipsychotic medications, some of which are currently being used to treat ADHD.

Other substances also interact with Melatonin. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol reduce levels of melatonin in the body. Cocaine and amphetamines may increase melatonin production.

Melatonin is considered safe, but you should consult your physician before giving it to your kid if he or she is taking any other medication.

ADHD kids very frequently suffer from sleep issues, and it may be a result of medications, or else it can be just one aspect. As long as you observe the warning signs, it can be an effective and inexpensive way to handle your ADHD kid's sleep issues.