What’s the deal with melatonin?
A good night's sleep is essential for the overall health and well-being of every child. As a parent, you understand the importance of ensuring your child gets enough rest. However, many parents struggle with bedtime issues and are unsure where to turn and in need of a quick fix. Melatonin, a hormone known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, is a popular sleep aid. It’s often seen as a quick and easy solution for bedtime struggles for adults and children alike. While melatonin can help with some sleep issues, it's important to understand what it is, how it works, and whether it's safe to use with children before deciding if it's right for your child. What is melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, as well as many other bodily functions. It is produced by the pineal gland, a small gland located in the brain, and is mostly released in the evening, in response to darkness. It’s your body’s way of staying in sync with mother nature- when the sun goes down, your body and brain start to wind down too! Melatonin helps to regulate our body clocks (aka circadian rhythm) by signaling [...]