I just wrote an article about my concerns on the apparent increase in parents giving their young children and babies melatonin supplements to get them to sleep. So, I also want to equip you with some strategies to promote natural melatonin production that is safe, and effective, and will ultimately help lead your child to have healthy sleep habits at night.
Natural Ways to Increase Melatonin Production
1. Have a regular bedtime for your child
Melatonin production increases when there is consistency in sleeping patterns. Although this can feel extremely difficult for parents to do, it is probably one of the most important factors in creating a healthy sleep foundation for your child.
2. No screen time for at least 30 minutes before bed
I actually tell my clients to push that to an hour or 1.5 hours just to be safe. Screens emit blue light waves, which are known to inhibit melatonin production, which is the opposite of what we’re all trying to achieve! Of course, there are a host of other concerns if a child (or adult!) is falling asleep with a screen or watching TV immediately before bed, so better to just not entertain that option!
3. Dim the lights in the house 30-45 minutes before bedtime
Again, lower lighting = higher melatonin production. Plus, who doesn’t want to have a nice, cozy, warm ambiance in the evening?! I’m always a little surprised at how many people use stark, white lighting in their homes! But that’s just my personal opinion.
4. Prevent light from coming into the bedroom at night
Blackout blinds!! Best. Thing. Ever. Invest in some, if you don’t have them. As long as they’re effective, it doesn’t matter what kind you use. There’s some discrepancy as to whether or not you should open them to let natural light in during the morning, but I think it partly depends on where you live. I’m from Edmonton, Canada where in the summer, it gets light at 3:30 am, which is WAY too early, so I generally suggest keeping them closed until your child wakes up naturally.
5. Bedtime Routine
The best for last! Please, please please have a bedtime routine for your child! Did you know you can start a simple routine right from Day 1? Yup, that’s right! As your little one gets older, a routine 30 minutes in length tend to be just about right. And of course, incorporate all the above factors in your routine- dim lighting, no screens, and happening at the same time.
I have found that very little in life that is worthwhile comes easy. That includes sleep. I would always do my research when anything or anyone that is saying their product is a quick fix for sleep problems. The truth is, is that a healthy sleep foundation takes time to develop. It takes a loving, caring, and consistent approach to help our little ones sleep well.
Adele
Contact Adele Thompson
The best way to get your child to sleep is with sleep training. If you want to learn more, you can download my free guide in the box included with this post or schedule a consultation.
