Norton Children’s talks Melatonin for children

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – During the Pandemic, many parents found that it was difficult for their children to get to sleep due to a lack of physical activity throughout the day.

Many turned to over-the-counter supplements like the hormone melatonin, but recently, doctors, including the American Association of Pediatrics, have begun saying this may not be the best idea.

Dr. Egambaran Senthilvel from Norton Children’s says that parents should look into behavioral modifications before medications.

“If your child is not sleeping well, first of all trying to work on, are they spending long a lot of time on electronics, trying to cut down the electronics, and if I know modifying this will help, that’s good. If not, you secure, you know you were a provider help it that can be a pediatrician or that can be a sleep specialist,” Senthilvel said.

Though this may be difficult for many parents, the long-term benefits to children may be large. Developing healthy habits at a young age set them up for success.

Senthilvel and the American Association of Pediatrics recommend always talking to your pediatrician or sleep specialist before giving children medications.