Melatonin for a 2 year old?

[deadwitchproject]

My DS sleep has always been terrible and we're getting desperate.

Is this something that the paediatrician would prescribe at this age? Also how would they determine that the melatonin levels were naturally low - would it be via a blood test or saliva?

Up at 11pm after finally dropping off at 9pm then again from 2ish to 5:30am....screaming all the time

Is cosleeping an option ? I have two bad sleepers but they settle better with me.

Thanks for replying. We've tried co-sleeping before with no success and in desperation tried it again last night. He hated it, maybe because he finds it restrictive (suffocating?) being with an adult in the bed.

He's always preferred his cot and thrashes around, stimming like there's no tomorrow. Absolutely dreading tonight and off to bed soon to try and catch some zzzzzs.

Anyone know about giving melatonin to a 2 year old? Please?

my ds 11 yrs takes 2mg of circadin which I think is the brand name of melatonin which is licensed in the uk. Its slow release to keep him asleep (although he still wakes in the night he goes back to sleep without too much fuss) which means the tablet has to be taken whole, although I think you can get liquid form. I read an old thread from mumsnet where a mum talked about her 3yr old taking it but not sure about 2 year old. Hope that helps a bit.

thanks for mentioning circadin, I'll look into it. If it's available in liquid form then I'll definitely speak to the paediatrician about it.

my 14yr old and my 7yr old have both been prescribed it.

You can also buy it online from the US where its available OTC, and you can get the one that disolves under the tongue if that makes it any easier?

it is worth asking your doctor though. Whats the worst they can say?

Ds was prescribed melatonin when he was just 3, he has liquid melatonin, and it has transformed his sleep. He was awake all evening, and very restless when he did finally sleep. The melatonin worked straight away, and he now gets to sleep very easily, although he does still wake in the night, and ridiculously early.

my friend with an ASD DS said cherry juice has a natural melatonin, so may be worth a try until something else comes along.

thanks for all the replies, I feel more confident asking the paed for it. I'll certainly try some cherry juice too.

my son was prescribed Circadin via a private pead which cost £22 for 2 weeks prescription. She sent letter to my doctor asking to prescribe who declined saying it wasn't available via him. I have ordered from BIOVEA but am finding it not as good as the Circadin. Does anyone have any advise as what or where I can go to get it?

I'm afraid I can't help with this, I know you can buy regular melatonin from health food shops. May be worth trying different doctor in your practise and see if they are more sympathetic. Good luck.

Melatomatin 0.1 mg, this is a very low dose formulation and it worked well for a friend of mine's 2 yo DS who has SPD. They live in the U.S. Though, so no prescription necessary. It dissolves under the tongue.

Thank you! We have a follow-up in May and will ask for that dose. Fingers crossed someone will be listening.