Can I give melatonin to my 3.5 year old daughter?

Hello, thank you for your question!

I realize that the situation may seem very unpleasant. However, melatonin is not an option to consider at this time, especially for a child of this age.

Difficulties associated with putting a child to bed are extremely common but do not necessarily indicate any problem.

Keep in mind that at each stage of your child's development, she is "relearning" to establish a new sleep hygiene (e.g., if your child no longer takes naps or takes fewer naps).

Here are the pharmacological measures that should be reviewed and/or instituted first:

I encourage you to review your child's sleep schedule, for example no screens 1 hour before bedtime, keep the bedroom only for sleeping and not other activities like playing or reading.

Also review whether there are any potentially stimulating objects in his room such as a light source or electronic devices.

Encourage your child to enjoy the outdoors during the day. Sunlight can help establish a better circadian cycle.

Revisit the appropriateness and/or timing of naps

I invite you to consult this document from Ste-Justine for more details.

i remain available if you have any further questions!

Tom Samaha, pharmacist