A child who has trouble sleeping can lead to a household of tired, cranky, irritable family members. If your child is having trouble sleeping, it is of the utmost importance to do what you can to help re-establish a regular, solid sleep pattern. There are many natural sleep aids that can help along the way.
Chamomile
Chamomile can help children sleep naturally, as well as ease other ills such as digestive problems, anxiety and many other common maladies. Children with seasonal allergies may be sensitive to chamomile, as it is in the same plant family as ragweed.
Melatonin
Melatonin can be used by children to aid in sleep by helping to regulate natural sleep rhythms, although it can cause digestive upset and irritability.
Valerian
Valerian is one of the most popular remedies for helping children sleep--although it can cause many adverse side effects such as headaches, digestive upset or discomfort and daytime sleepiness. It may also cause reactions with certain other medications.
Passion Flower
Passion flower can help aid in sleep by acting as a natural sedative and pain reliever. However, long-term use of passion flower is not recommended, as it can slow the nervous system over time.
Warm Milk
Perhaps the easiest and safest natural sleep aid, warm milk naturally contains melatonin as well as the sleep-promoting amino acid tryptophan--although the amounts of both are quite low.
Warning
Always check with your pediatrician before administering herbal medications to your children, particularly if they are taking any other medications or have any food or plant allergies.
Tags: children sleep, digestive upset, natural sleep, other medications, trouble sleeping