Most children go through one or more periods when they have a great deal of difficulty sleeping. Often the sleeplessness is linked to sickness or rapid growth, either physical or emotional. During these times drugs can be used to help children fall asleep or sleep longer, but drugs do not help children deal with the underlying reason for the difficulties sleeping. In my opinion, it is usually best to try to determine the reason for the sleeping problems and work with the child to improve his or her sleep in natural ways. This may not always be practical and can be especially difficult for families with two working parents. If a child is being kept up by an illness, and that illness is being treated, medications to promote sleep are quite appropriate and may even speed healing.

Alan Greene MD FAAP

June 15, 2001

Reviewed By: 

Khanh-Van Le-Bucklin MD & Rebecca Hicks M.D.

Last Reviewed: 

June 18, 2008

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