Melatonin

[Ambriel]

 

My son was recently diagnosed with Asperger's and has been given melatonin to help him get to sleep in the evenings.

 

I was wondering what people's experiences were with regards when is best to take it?

 

At the moment he's taking it not very long before bedtime but I was thinking of advancing that to teatime to give it more time to work.

 

As it is he's definitely a little better since he's been on it but he still wakes up around 6am, which of course leads to the whole household waking up, too.

 

He's currently taking two capsules. Is there a problem increasing this? Will it help him stay asleep in the mornings?

 

Sorry for so many vague questions. We live in a rather remote part of the country and don't have ready access to hospital or the GP.

[JsMum]

 

 

It is recommended 30 mins before bedtime, though if they have had a meal or eaten soon after this then it may be longer because of the digestion and the stomach lining.

 

Make sure all caffine based foods are not consumed as well four/six hours before melatonin, so chocolate, cola, ect,.....

 

I have just been researching early waking as J is waking at 4am, weve found out its possibly down to low sugar levels as he does suffer hypoglicemia throw a poor diet, due to eating difficulties, so hes been having extra calaries for supper and just before bed he has a banana or toast.

 

Low levels of magnesium is also another cause and is hormone inballances and as J is going throw pubity this is a possibility.

 

Js taking a break from his at the moment, hes been on long term.

 

I know from the lititure there is more associated side effects at high doses, so lathargic, headaches and nighmares increase above dose of 4mg.

 

If a child wakes up around 1am/2am you can give them another small dose, though you would need to have your own assessment and evaluation with your specialist, Js is liquid and only stays in the system 4 hours, it aids them to fall to sleep not to keep them asleep.

 

it maybe he requires a break, as long term use the body can become tollerant to it, ensure you see a proffessional though before changing or stopping medications.

 

JsMumxxxx

 

[Ambriel]

Thanks for the comment. Our son is 9 and has only been taking it a short while but I'll remember about giving him a break for later, and check what he has before bedtime.