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More than three-quarters of surveyed U.S. pediatricians have
recommended over-the-counter sleep aids to children, according
to a survey of 671 U.S. pediatricians.
Further, more than 50 percent had prescribed a sleep aid
to some of their young patients and about 15 percent had also
recommended melatonin supplements or herbal remedies.
Most commonly, antihistamines were recommended for over-the-counter
treatments while alpha-agonists such as clonidine, which is
used to treat behavioral problems, were the most commonly
recommended prescription medications.
While such medications are "most likely safe,"
little is actually known about their safety or effectiveness
in treating childhood sleep problems.
Moreover, sleep problems like insomnia are symptoms of other
problems that often can’t be treated with sleep medications.
Researchers note that doctors could be missing underlying
problems and instead turning to sleep medications as the solution.
According to previous research, a significant number of children
have sleep disturbances and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, depression, asthma and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
are more likely to have problems sleeping.
However, most children’s sleep problems can be solved
without medications. Doctors can discuss good "sleep
hygiene" with parents, which includes helpful habits
like encouraging children to go to sleep and wake up at regular
times, avoid caffeine and be active during the day, researchers
noted.
The current study was funded in part by Sanofi-Synthelabo,
makers of the sleep medication zolpidem (Ambien).
Pediatrics
May, 2003;111:e628-e635
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