Can i give my 3 year old melatonin? he's 3 years old and never seems to get tired. he stays up til 11:30-12 at night. we've tried the whole routine thing. i've tried doing a visual sticker game with him, which works up to the point of going to bed... he j

Melatonin : Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the brain which helps to control sleep rhythms in healthy people. It has been used as a supplement for years by adults with insomnia or shift-work jobs that may interfere with the body's natural circadian rhythm. The use in kids with sleep disorders have grown rapidly in the last few years because of its good safety profile. Lifestyle changes are the best ways to help a child go to sleep at night such as having a bedtime routine involving calm activities before bed, no tv before bed, no caffeine, and placing the child in a dark, quiet room. If these have been tried and do not work, then giving melatonin (1mg to 3mg 30 minutes before bed) for a few days to weeks is considered safe. This can help regulate your child's sleep cycle. If your child is continuing to require melatonin to sleep after a few weeks, then you should discuss this with your child's doctor. Your child may have a medical reason causing them to be unable to sleep such as attention deficit disorder or obstructive sleep apnea.

Bedtime: His bedtime is very late for his age. Allow him to develop self soothing mechanisms in falling asleep. Avoid electronic games and television prior to bedtime. Develop a bedtime routine and the AAP has further advice on sleep.