You’ve done all that sleep habits stuff to make your child go to sleep or stay asleep. Nothing worked. Now you’re desperate enough to try some natural sleep aids for children but you don’t know where to begin. There are more natural sleep aids in the stores than there are prescription sleeping pills. Here’s a fast and easy guide to 5 popular natural sleep aids for children. 1. Melatonin What is melatonin? It’s a hormone secreted from the pineal gland in our brain. Thought to help our bodies’ sleep-wake cycle i.e when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep (”sleep latency”), and may increase the duration of sleep. Melatonin Fast Facts The most popular natural sleep aid for helping adults with jet lag or effects of shift work Also popularly used as a sleep aid for children, more than 20 studies have shown that melatonin helps children with insomnia to fall asleep quickly Side effects: daytime drowsiness headaches, dizziness, a “heavy-head” feeling, stomach discomfort Safe with short-term use (three months or less) as concluded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2005) Dosage should not exceed 3 milligrams and it’s not recommended by healthcare professionals to give to kids younger than 10. Being a popular OTC sleep aid, pharmaceutical grade synthetic form is available in many brands; AVOID natural forms that are basically melatonin derived from animal’s pineal glands due to possible contamination It must be noted however, nearly all studies of melatonin were on “special needs” children i.e. autism, other development disabilities, blind. Their bodies either don’t produce melatonin or do so only erratically. 15% of pediatricians still recommend melatonin as a sleep aid for children with insomnia, according to the medical journal Pediatrics (2002) Before Using Melatonin As A Children Sleep Aid: -discuss with your pediatrician to rule out medical reasons for insomnia, such as breathing difficulties or behavioral conditions such as attention-deficit disorder - parents should first try techniques to change the child’s sleep behavior 2. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) What is chamomile? It’s one of nature’s oldest herbal sleep aid used for centuries. It is also one of the gentlest herbs making it so popular as a children sleep aid. The active ingredients are flavonoids namely, chrysin and apigenin, believed to reduce restlessness helping one feel more relaxed and more prepared to sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. That’s why it’s also popularly used in cases of stomach irritation. Safe for both adults and children. It does not lead to dependency and has not been shown to have any side effects. However, it may cause allergic reactions in people who have plant or pollen allergies. Most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild, pleasant flavor. Also available for internal use in capsule or tincture form Known as a ‘plant doctor’ stimulating the health of other plants, you will find it popularly combined with other herbs to make standardized herbal remedies.However, this also means you have to use with caution if your child is on other drug therapies. It may increase the effects of other sleep aids. 3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) What is valerian? A herbal sleep aid that is also one of the top 3 popular OTC sleep aids for children. Its active ingredient is still unclear therefore how it works is unclear too. Generally thought to help reduce the time to get to sleep and possibly improve sleep quality. It also eases nervous tension, muscle tension and anxiety Generally safe when taken in recommended dosages. However, high doses of valerian can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, vivid dreams, weakened heartbeat and even paralysis. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs. Valerian and lemon balm preparation is the most popular combo sleep aid for children since a study done in Germany showed fast and significant improvement for children under 12 with restlessness or dyssomnia (sleep disorder). 4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) What is lemon balm? It’s an aromatic mint plant recognized by European herbalists for its ability to help induce sleep and ease nervousness. In Germany, lemon balm preparations have been approved for treatment of nervous insomnia. It also protects the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers. Therefore, lemon balm is a popular remedy for insomnia accompanied by a nervous stomach. Taken as a tea, lemon balm is quite tasty. When used as a sleep aid for children, the dosage according to the German study are valerian and lemon balm tablets with 160 mg of valerian root dry extract and 80 mg of lemon balm leaf dry extract. It is not associated with any toxicity or side effects. 5. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) What is passion flower? This herb, used by the Aztecs as a sedative, helps relax the mind and body to induce restful sleep. The active ingredient, harmine, and related compounds help inhibit the breakdown of serotonin. It also contains chrysin, the same flavonoid found in chamomile. It is an especially helpful sleep aid for sleep disorders caused by chronic pain, muscle conditions and anxiety. Taken as a tea, tincture or as capsules. Safe for use as either a sleep aid for children or adults. However, because the most common side effect of passion flower is drowsiness, don’t take it unless you plan to sleep for while. Now that you know these 5 natural sleep aids for children, always consult a licensed healthcare provider first if you are thinking of using any of them for your child. Also, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of the supplements and medication your child may be taking so that he can evaluate any potential drug-supplement interactions. It’s not easy to find appropriate supplement brands for these 5 popular natural sleep aids for children. The supplies are usually in adult dosage or in different combinations not according to the studies for children sleep aids. Find out what’s available on the market in this compiled list of Natural Sleep Aids For Children This information is brought to you by OTC Sleep Aids.com

Melatonin Can Help Improve Your Sleep And Your Tinnitus.

A daily supplement of Melatonin may help improve your tinnitus and sleep patterns.It certainly has in my case since I’ve been taking it over the last 6 months after having extremely loud Tinnitus for the last 14 years.

Melatonin is actually a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland which is situated in the centre of your brain. Melatonin which is stimulated by the onset of darkness at nighttime is a very important factor in the human body’s circadian cycle or your internal body clock.

In most people melatonin is produced to help regulate our sleeping and waking cycles but scientistcs have found that as people get older the amount produced is smaller and that this may be the reason why young people have less problems with their sleeping patterns than older ones.

Other studies have shown that melatonin has also helped people with tinnitus who develop irregular sleep patterns and does not have the hazards and side effects of prescription sleeping pills. Melatonin can also strengthen your immune system as well as reduce the free radicals in your body.

Who Can Take Melatonin?

Melatonin is like a natural nightcap and people with tinnitus can really benefit from using it regularly. Others people such as travellers, those suffering from mild sleep disorders and the aged have found that it has restored their circadian rythms and sleep cycles as well as giving them lots of energy.

The right dosage shold be prescribed by your Doctor and will differ from person to person. Normally Tinnitus sufferers can start with a smaller dosage taken before bed-time each night and then work your way up to larger doses if required.

Are there any side-effects to taking melatonin?

According to various studies about 10 percent of people who have taken melatonin under trials have reported symptoms such as bad dreams, headaches, morning fuzziness, mild depression, and a lowered sex drive.

Personally I have not experienced any of these side effects however this is why you should see and consult with your Doctor before beginning any trial of melatonin to help with your sleep patterns.

Should certain people avoid it?

Yes people such as women who are pregnant, nursing young infants, those with severe allergies, people with cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma and lastly healthy children as they are already producing plenty of melatonin naturally.

Is melatonin safe?

Melatonin is very safe and is one of the least toxic substances known and there have been very few complaints about the drug to official authorities after extensive testings. These complaints were mostly to do with melatonin causing drowsiness and a slower reaction times in certain individuals.

When should the dosage be administered?

Melatonin should be taken just before you go to bed. About half an hour is recommended. If you are traveling on a long journey or plane trip you can take a dose of melatonin before your flight.

It’s important you take it at regular times as melatonin has a significant role in setting your body’s daily clock or circadian rythms.

What are the usual ingredients in melatonin capsules or tablets?

Pure Melatonin plus standard tablet fillers and binders such as Di-Calcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Stearic Acid, Micro-Crystallin Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, and Magnesium Stearate

Melatonin combined with a Tinnitus masking soundtrack during the night is the best way I have found to to ensure I get a great night’s sleep and it’s one of my top recommended ways of dealing with Tinnitus and sleeping issues.

We live in a world that judges you on your performance and expertise. So if you are struggling with insomnia and dragging through life day after day, you may find it difficult to get ahead. No one can decide for you when you’ve had enough of the sleep deprivation that may result from chronic insomnia. When you make the decision that you want to cure your sleeplessness permanently, you will have to start by investigating the cause. Don’t accept the temporary solutions offered by over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription sleeping pills. Start by figuring out the root cause of your inability to sleep, and then make new lifestyle choices that improve the quality of your nighttime rest.

It’s possible that insomnia can be traced to a single cause, but it’s more likely to be a result of several combined factors. Most insomnia causes can be grouped under physical causes, psychological causes, and temporary factors (hmm, that sounds a lot like “other”).

First, let’s take a look at physical causes. If you’re over 60 years old, you may be experiencing decreased melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that helps us sleep. As people age, melatonin production declines. Several medical conditions are often linked to an inability to sleep well, including asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease. Any condition that is causing pain may affect your sleep quality.

Psychological causes include anxiety, stress and depression. If you’re dealing with relationship issues, financial difficulties, or particularly trying times at work, then your sleep may be affected. Psychological difficulties can lead to insomnia, which can make these difficulties worse, which makes sleep even more difficult, and so on. It’s important to avoid this downward spiral.

The good news about temporary factors is that they are, well, temporary. Conditions like jet lag, changes in your work schedule, prescription medications, and heavier than normal consumption of caffeine and alcohol can all lead to a short-term inability to get a good night’s sleep. In most instances, when these factors are eliminated, your sleep pattern will return to normal.

The important thing to remember is that there is no need to automatically pop a pill after a sleepless night. Insomnia can result from several factors, each of which may require a different solution. Examine the causes of your insomnia before heading to the drugstore.

If you plan to keep pace with your busy schedule and stay on top of your responsibilities for work, home and family, then you need to make sure that nothing slows you down. Insomnia can be a huge drain on your energy and the sleep deprivation it causes can seriously hurt your daily performance. Whether you are suffering from chronic insomnia or only have trouble sleeping from time to time, there are natural sleep aids that work. You really owe it to yourself and those you love to find out how you can banish sleeplessness forever.

Whenever someone has difficulty sleeping for more than a few nights, their first thought is usually of finding some sort of sleep aid. Many people are reluctant to turn to sleeping pills, and there are good reasons to stay away from them. Medical research studies have found that long-term use of prescription sleeping pills can have negative health consequences. In fact, taking these heavy-duty sleep aids can be harder on your body than the insomnia you’re trying to cure.

For many, sleeping pills do nothing to deal with the underlying causes of chronic insomnia, but they do tend to create a chemical dependency. Unfortunately, even if the pills are doing little to improve users’ daytime experiences, people continue to take them because they produce good feelings at night. The good news is that sleep aids don’t have to be sleeping pills.

Chamomile, an herb related to the daisy, is often cited as a natural insomnia treatment because it has sedative properties. In addition, chamomile has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, both conditions that are frequently blamed for leading to insomnia. The most common way to take this herb is by making chamomile tea. Chamomile is widely regarded as safe, even for children and pregnant women.

Valerian is one of nature’s more powerful weapons against insomnia. It has been used as a sedative and calming remedy for several thousand years. Modern clinical trials have determined that valerian is as powerful as some pharmaceutical solutions, but its natural origins make it much safer.

These are just two of many natural sleep aids available that can gently help your body return to healthier sleep patterns. Usually, just a few weeks of use will be sufficient to handle an occasional bout with insomnia. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping, there are additional actions you can take. Just keep in mind that your goal is not only good sleep at night, but to put you back in top form during the day.

Would you like to know how to sleep better at night without getting hooked on prescription sleeping pills? Wouldn’t it be great to fall asleep quickly at bedtime and then awake feeling rested and recharged in the morning? Getting a good night’s sleep is not a pie-in-the-sky goal. Deep, restful, effective sleep is possible without drugs. In fact, if you implement the following sleep techniques, you may not need to take anything at all.

You may find this hard to believe, but most sleep problems can be fixed without medication. Many people find that making changes to their sleeping environment can make a major difference in the way they sleep at night. Let’s review the five physical senses–sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste–to see how you can make our sleep better.

Sight

Our physical bodies are genetically engineered to take their cues from the amount of light. More light means wake up, less light means go to sleep. Trying to fight this biological imperative is doomed to fail. To promote sleep, you need to make your room as dark as possible for the time you plan to sleep. If you are on a regular work schedule, this should be fairly simple, but if you work at night or have rotating shifts, you’ll have to be more creative. Room-darkening blinds and curtains are where you should start.

Hearing

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to sleep in noisy environment. You’ll face extra challenges if you have a roommate, older children or a snoring spouse. But eliminating disturbing noises is essential if you want to be able to fall asleep, and achieve deep, restorative sleep.

Touch

Sleeping on a worn-out or cheap mattress can make it difficult to sleep well. If you can’t replace your mattress right now, try adding a pillow top to make it softer. Breathable cotton sheets are a good choice for sleeping. Look for a higher thread count when purchasing sheets–they’ll be softer and last longer. Also, keeping the room cooler will help you sleep.

Smell

Lavender is well-known for having relaxing properties. Try using a lavender scented spray before bedtime. Another option is to put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball, then sleep with the cotton ball near your pillow.

Taste

Try some chamomile tea before going to bed. There are several teas that include chamomile to promote relaxation and drowsiness. These are perfectly safe and many people find them very effective.

That’s a quick look at sleep techniques that act on all of your senses to promote a restful overnight experience. Most of them are easy and inexpensive to try, and you may find that they make an incredible difference in your quality of sleep.

However there are now natural products containing melatonin that give good therapeutic results without causing interactions with other medications, nor side-effects if taken at the recommended dose.

What is Melatonin?Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It is naturally secreted in the brain and regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, the biological clock that acts to make people drowsy at night and wakeful in the morning.  The amount of it produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.Why take it? By supplementing the body’s natural supply of Melatonin, it is possible to set this internal clock ahead or behind-thus relieving conditions such as jet lag, helping people adjust to changes in working shifts, and defeating insomnia; without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills.  Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Does Melatonin have that morning-after hangover effect of sleeping pills?No. You should normally wake up well refreshed and full of energy. If you wake up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you wake up feeling well refreshed. You will not have the hangover effect you may experience with over the counter or prescription sleeping pills.

For maximum efficacy Melatonin should be combined with Vitamin B6 and L-Tryptophan.  This combination is vitally important as Vitamin B6 regulates healthy sleeping patterns and L-Tryptophan is an amino acid which converts to Serotonin in the body, helping to induce relaxation and naturally enhancing sleep.

Controller capsules with 4mg of melatonin are the recommended daily allowance for a refreshing sleep. Ask your pharmacist for Controller food supplements combining Melatonin, Vitamin B6 and L-Tryptophan…goodnight !www.altacare.com

Everybody knows that if it’s over-the-counter, it’s got to be safe. Or is it really? After all, prescription sleeping pills are a lot more tightly regulated by doctors and the FDA. Not to mention a lot more expensive.Let’s just start with what everybody knows already about over-the-counter sleep aids. Just so everybody’s on the same page.Firstly, the main ingredient of over-the-counter sleep aids is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are generally taken for allergies, but also make you feel very sleepy. And yes, while they make you get to sleep faster, there is little evidence that they improve the quality of your sleep at all, much less help treat insomnia. Meaning, if you really had good quality sleep, won’t you be productive in your following wake hours? That brings me to the second fact that everybody already knows about OTC sleep aids.OTC sleep aids tend to cause “morning hangovers” or what is explained as residual next-morning sedation due to the fact that antihistamines have long half-lives. That simply means they stay very long in the bodies and therefore continue to cause drowsiness.So most people usually try to live with that limitation by simply staying away from driving or handling heavy machinery. However, did you know that you would also have to put up with constipation and a racing heartbeat through your day? Did you also know that you could be in a state of confusion, delirium and have urinary retention? These are called anticholinergic side effects of antihistamines. That certainly wouldn’t do for that important office meeting next morning.Thirdly, common over-the-counter sleep medications are Sleep-Eze, Sominex, Nytol, and Unison that are mostly either diphenhydramine or doxylamine antihistamines.However, other common OTC sleep aids like Tylenol PM and Advil PM are actually combinations of the painkillers acetaminophen and ibuprofen with an antihistamine, diphenhydramine.And that is why, the Medical Letter, which reviews drugs, recommends against using antihistamines for sleep. Some doctors say users of Tylenol PM may be taking acetaminophen they do not need. Acetaminophen overdoses can cause liver failure.As for ibuprofen, common side effects mainly involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without abdominal pain, and black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding.And finally, back to the premise that if it’s over the counter, it’s got to be safe. That is truly the costliest and harmful fallacy that everybody has believed about OTC sleep aids being safer than prescription sleeping pills.The reason is this. OTC sleep aids are not regulated and therefore, prone to abuse. If the OTC sleep aids were used as they were originally intended for i.e. to treat allergies or relieve mild pain that usually resolve within days, their sedative side effects would have been limited. And because using OTC sleep aids does not require a doctor’s consultation and supervision, potential drug interactions would not have been flagged out and underlying serious side effects would have gone undetected. Also, you can develop a tolerance for over-the-counter sleep aids after using them for just a few days. You may find quickly that you’ll need to pop in more pills each time to accomplish the same effect.Last but not least, a so-called transcient insomnia may progress into a chronic insomnia if the root of the problem is not resolved. A slippery slope indeed. Don’t we all agree that insomnia is just a symptom of an underlying problem? And for many of us occasional insomniacs, it’s always triggered by something called stress.Here’s a tip. Today, researchers have found that the best treatment for insomnia with the highest success rates is to change our thought patterns to then change our behaviors into those that induce sleep. So, it’s really all in the mind.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a newly approved method for treating insomnia without the use of prescription drugs.  Many people are not yet aware of this kind of natural sleep treatment.  Most of us only know how to cure sleep disorders with prescription sleeping pills, but they are only intended to treat short term insomnia symptoms.  If you are looking for a natural alternative to cure your restlessness, then this may be the answer. 

For the vast majority, this therapy works better than prescription pills, with no side effects.  CBT for insomnia is a way to change your sleeping habits and schedule factors.  Standard treatment consists of about 4 to 8 thirty minute therapy sessions with a trained sleep therapist.  He or she will give you a series of evaluations, complete a sleep diary and work with you to change the way you sleep.  This will assist you in determining how much shut eye you actually need and learn to plan for it. 

CBT is not a fast, effortless process as it takes much discipline and patience.  Doctors suggest not taking naps during the day and avoid going to bed very early in the evening.  It is also ideal to sleep in a cool, dark room and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco close to bedtime.  If you wake up for some reason and cannot get back to sleep, get out of bed and do something relaxing like reading that will make you want to go back to bed.  I know it may be difficult, but try to avoid clock watching at all costs.  Constantly checking your cell phone or clock will only cause anxiety by thinking about when you have to wake up.

If you spend countless hours in your room watching TV, surfing the net, and engaging in other stimulating activities you will learn to associate your bedroom with wakefulness.  Some of us have no choice but to set up our home offices in our bedrooms, but if you can steer clear of that, you will be ahead of the game.  Research has shown that when patients stopped working at least an hour before bedtime and started focusing on relaxing, they were more successful in curing their insomnia.  Cognitive behavioral therapy is not available everywhere, you may need to do some research online to find a sleep therapist. 

Melatonin Can Help Improve Your Sleep And Your Tinnitus A daily supplement of Melatonin may help improve your tinnitus and sleep patterns. It certainly has in my case since I’ve been taking it over the last 6 months after having extremely loud Tinnitus for the last 14 years. Melatonin is actually a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland which is situated in the centre of your brain. Melatonin which is stimulated by the onset of darkness at nighttime is a very important factor in the human body’s circadian cycle or your internal body clock. In most people melatonin is produced to help regulate our sleeping and waking cycles but scientistcs have found that as people get older the amount produced is smaller and that this may be the reason why young people have less problems with their sleeping patterns than older ones. Other studies have shown that melatonin has also helped people with tinnitus who develop irregular sleep patterns and does not have the hazards and side effects of prescription sleeping pills. Melatonin can also strengthen your immune system as well as reduce the free radicals in your body. Who Can Take Melatonin? Melatonin is like a natural nightcap and people with tinnitus can really benefit from using it regularly. Others people such as travellers, those suffering from mild sleep disorders and the aged have found that it has restored their circadian rythms and sleep cycles as well as giving them lots of energy. The right dosage shold be prescribed by your Doctor and will differ from person to person. Normally Tinnitus sufferers can start with a smaller dosage taken before bed-time each night and then work your way up to larger doses if required. Are there any side-effects to taking melatonin? According to various studies about 10 percent of people who have taken melatonin under trials have reported symptoms such as bad dreams, headaches, morning fuzziness, mild depression, and a lowered sex drive. Personally I have not experienced any of these side effects however this is why you should see and consult with your Doctor before beginning any trial of melatonin to help with your sleep patterns. Should certain people avoid it? Yes people such as women who are pregnant, nursing young infants, those with severe allergies, people with cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma and lastly healthy children as they are already producing plenty of melatonin naturally. Is melatonin safe? Melatonin is very safe and is one of the least toxic substances known and there have been very few complaints about the drug to official authorities after extensive testings. These complaints were mostly to do with melatonin causing drowsiness and a slower reaction times in certain individuals. When should the dosage be administered? Melatonin should be taken just before you go to bed. About half an hour is recommended. If you are traveling on a long journey or plane trip you can take a dose of melatonin before your flight. It’s important you take it at regular times as melatonin has a significant role in setting your body’s daily clock or circadian rythms. What are the usual ingredients in melatonin capsules or tablets? Pure Melatonin plus standard tablet fillers and binders such as Di-Calcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Stearic Acid, Micro-Crystallin Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, and Magnesium Stearate Melatonin combined with a Tinnitus masking soundtrack during the night is the best way I have found to to ensure I get a great night’s sleep and it’s one of my top recommended ways of dealing with Tinnitus and sleeping issues.

You’ve done all that sleep habits stuff to make your child go to sleep or stay asleep. Nothing worked. Now you’re desperate enough to try some natural sleep aids for children but you don’t know where to begin. There are more natural sleep aids in the stores than there are prescription sleeping pills. Here’s a fast and easy guide to 5 popular natural sleep aids for children. 1. Melatonin What is melatonin? It’s a hormone secreted from the pineal gland in our brain. Thought to help our bodies’ sleep-wake cycle i.e when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep (”sleep latency”), and may increase the duration of sleep. Melatonin Fast Facts The most popular natural sleep aid for helping adults with jet lag or effects of shift work Also popularly used as a sleep aid for children, more than 20 studies have shown that melatonin helps children with insomnia to fall asleep quickly Side effects: daytime drowsiness headaches, dizziness, a “heavy-head” feeling, stomach discomfort Safe with short-term use (three months or less) as concluded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2005) Dosage should not exceed 3 milligrams and it’s not recommended by healthcare professionals to give to kids younger than 10. Being a popular OTC sleep aid, pharmaceutical grade synthetic form is available in many brands; AVOID natural forms that are basically melatonin derived from animal’s pineal glands due to possible contamination It must be noted however, nearly all studies of melatonin were on “special needs” children i.e. autism, other development disabilities, blind. Their bodies either don’t produce melatonin or do so only erratically. 15% of pediatricians still recommend melatonin as a sleep aid for children with insomnia, according to the medical journal Pediatrics (2002) Before Using Melatonin As A Children Sleep Aid: -discuss with your pediatrician to rule out medical reasons for insomnia, such as breathing difficulties or behavioral conditions such as attention-deficit disorder - parents should first try techniques to change the child’s sleep behavior 2. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) What is chamomile? It’s one of nature’s oldest herbal sleep aid used for centuries. It is also one of the gentlest herbs making it so popular as a children sleep aid. The active ingredients are flavonoids namely, chrysin and apigenin, believed to reduce restlessness helping one feel more relaxed and more prepared to sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. That’s why it’s also popularly used in cases of stomach irritation. Safe for both adults and children. It does not lead to dependency and has not been shown to have any side effects. However, it may cause allergic reactions in people who have plant or pollen allergies. Most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild, pleasant flavor. Also available for internal use in capsule or tincture form Known as a ‘plant doctor’ stimulating the health of other plants, you will find it popularly combined with other herbs to make standardized herbal remedies.However, this also means you have to use with caution if your child is on other drug therapies. It may increase the effects of other sleep aids. 3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) What is valerian? A herbal sleep aid that is also one of the top 3 popular OTC sleep aids for children. Its active ingredient is still unclear therefore how it works is unclear too. Generally thought to help reduce the time to get to sleep and possibly improve sleep quality. It also eases nervous tension, muscle tension and anxiety Generally safe when taken in recommended dosages. However, high doses of valerian can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, vivid dreams, weakened heartbeat and even paralysis. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs. Valerian and lemon balm preparation is the most popular combo sleep aid for children since a study done in Germany showed fast and significant improvement for children under 12 with restlessness or dyssomnia (sleep disorder). 4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) What is lemon balm? It’s an aromatic mint plant recognized by European herbalists for its ability to help induce sleep and ease nervousness. In Germany, lemon balm preparations have been approved for treatment of nervous insomnia. It also protects the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers. Therefore, lemon balm is a popular remedy for insomnia accompanied by a nervous stomach. Taken as a tea, lemon balm is quite tasty. When used as a sleep aid for children, the dosage according to the German study are valerian and lemon balm tablets with 160 mg of valerian root dry extract and 80 mg of lemon balm leaf dry extract. It is not associated with any toxicity or side effects. 5. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) What is passion flower? This herb, used by the Aztecs as a sedative, helps relax the mind and body to induce restful sleep. The active ingredient, harmine, and related compounds help inhibit the breakdown of serotonin. It also contains chrysin, the same flavonoid found in chamomile. It is an especially helpful sleep aid for sleep disorders caused by chronic pain, muscle conditions and anxiety. Taken as a tea, tincture or as capsules. Safe for use as either a sleep aid for children or adults. However, because the most common side effect of passion flower is drowsiness, don’t take it unless you plan to sleep for while. Now that you know these 5 natural sleep aids for children, always consult a licensed healthcare provider first if you are thinking of using any of them for your child. Also, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of the supplements and medication your child may be taking so that he can evaluate any potential drug-supplement interactions. It’s not easy to find appropriate supplement brands for these 5 popular natural sleep aids for children. The supplies are usually in adult dosage or in different combinations not according to the studies for children sleep aids.