Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Pills, potions and tonics for sleep

By Raising Children Network
 
 
Although many adults turn to medication to help them sleep, giving drugs to your child will not solve his sleeping problem.

Drugs aren’t usually the answer to solving children’s sleeping problems. Your child’s sleeping problem can be dealt with better in other ways.

It can be very dangerous to give your child drugs not specifically prescribed for him. Drugs can also have bad side effects. A child on medication can be grumpy, irritable and hard to wake up in the morning. He might also be dizzy, have a dry mouth or feel sick.

You might get advice from other people about giving your child potions or tonics to help him settle. Others might suggest a drop of brandy in the bedtime bottle. This is unlikely to work, as food and drink rarely have anything to do with a child’s sleeping problems. These substances can also be dangerous.

In rare circumstances where all else has failed, your doctor may prescribe medication for a short period to help your child get into a sleep pattern. This will help in the longer term only if it is accompanied by a program to help your child learn new sleep behaviour.

 
  • Last reviewed08-05-2006
  • References

    France, K.G. & Hudson, S.M. (1993). Management of infant sleep disturbance: A review. Clinical Psychology Review, 13, 635-647.

    Mindell, J.A. (1999). Empirically supported treatments in pediatric psychology: Bedtime refusal and night wakings in young children. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 24, 465-481.

    Peirano, P., Algarin, C. & Uauy, R. (2003). Sleep-wake states and their regulatory mechanisms throughout early development. The Journal of Pediatrics, 143, 870-879.

    Ramchandani, P., & Wiggs, L. (2000). A systematic review of treatment of settling problems and night waking in young children. British Medical Journal, 320, 209-213.