Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group

I don't know about supplements for night terrors, but I have 2 friends that use melatonin to get there kids to fall asleep at night. I also know a lot of adults that take it (most are military personnel who work shift work, so naturally have trouble sleeping). Melatonin is naturally produced in your body, and helps govern your sleep-wake cycle. It's released at night and makes you sleepy. Some people have a natural melatonin deficiency, which can cause them problems falling asleep, that's why taking a supplement can help you fall asleep. My LO doesn't need it, but these 2 women I know swear by it, and have been using it for 4 years and 1 year (their boys are 6 and 3, respectively) with no known side effects.

You can pick melatonin up anywhere. I think they use the 2mg tablets, but can ask and find out for sure if anyone wants to know.

I use aromatherapy. It put an end to DD's night terrors and works for a lot of different things (discipline, learning, medicinal, and calming). I buy essential oils and pour them over an absorbant cone and set it high on the shelves in DD's room. You can also use sticks and a glass jar. Its pretty easy to find information out about it and you can make your own scents at home. (plus, it makes the whole house smell nice)

Have you tried fennel for the babies?I found it excellent for all my 3 girls ,when they had a restless night..upset tummy etc...seems to just calm them down ,so they can nod off...
Also a small ammount of natural oil under the pillow/cover ,helps to soothe them to sleep..
Hope this helps...oh ,and you can always ask your health visitor ,who`ll have lots of suggestions...good luck!

I thinnk using something when a child is not feeling well, or has had "one of those god awful days" isn't a bad idea. As long as Doc gives the go ahead. But, to use something on a regular basis probably isn't a good idea. This is how habits that are hard to break later are formed. It's important that a child learn to sleep soundly on their own, this is a skill that will carry them through life, and being able to do it unassisted is important. It's hard if you got yourself a bad sleeper but it's one of those parenting things that we have to suufer through. As torturous as it is. And if you think your child may have a melatonin deficiency, get it checked out before forming a nightly habit of supplements. But good luck with what ever you decide to do! The sleep issue is the hardest one, I know!! :)