Herbal Sleep Aides for Children

Rose's nephew Batboy like many other children face a lot of problems falling asleep and staying asleep. He basically doesn't want to go to bed and fights sleep which may be due to his hyperactive nature...boys!

Sometimes a child may be given caffeine before bedtime or there is too much external noise around the house or apartment keeping the child awake.  Placing a fan in their bedroom might drown out the noise and limiting liquids especially those that contain caffeine will help them fall asleep faster and not get up during the night to go to the bathroom.  If you want to give them something to drink at night that will act as a sleep aid try chamomile, lemon baum or decaffeinated sleepytime tea.

Chamomile is a herb that is very mild and therefore safe for children. Lemon baum has a minty taste and is an herb from Germany. Sleepytime tea is a combination of herbs such as; chamomile, spearmint, West Indian lemongrass, tilia flowers, blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, hawthorn and rosebuds. Like other sleep aid supplements; herbs are non-addiciting like prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Jasmine, Hops and Lavender can also be consumed as a tea, but you can also find pillows or stuffed animals that are filled with these herbs.  Many spas use lavender as aromatherapy to calm their clients while getting a massage.  Jasmine is especially effective for treating children's sleeping disorders.

• Just heat up their tummy to enjoy a lovely warm cuddle
• They are scented with calming lavender and chamomile pure essential oil.
• Hot Hugs have easily removeable tummies filled with natural wheat grains
• Machine Washable

Valerian is another herb that relieves anxiety and has a calming effect on the body.  It can be used in combination with other well known sleep herbs or alone.  You may try a tincture if the child can not take it in pill form. Those with ADHD should avoid valerian.

California Poppy helps your child to feel sleepy and is safe for children.  This poppy is not related to the poppy that makes opium.  This homeopathic herb is a mild sedative that is commonly added to over-the-counter supplemental sleep aids or available in its pure form as a liquid extract.

There are many herbal remedies that are easily available at a pharmacy or local health food store and can be used to help children sleep better. One should be cautious if there are other drugs or sleep medications being used by the child. Doctors should be consulted in such cases before using any of the above mentioned sleep remedies.

Had to put the monkey and cow on here...just couldn't picture Batboy with a lamb.
Good Day,
Rose Sheepskill