Why a Sleep Schedule is the Best Alternative to Melatonin

Sleep is an indispensable requirement for a healthy lifestyle and a critical need for everyone’s routine.

According to studies, a child who gets enough sleep regularly has enhanced memory, learning, better cognitive abilities, and overall physical and mental health.

Recommended time of sleep for children

Infant 1 year 12-16 hours

Children 1-2 years 11-14 hours

Children 3-5 years 10-13 hours

Children 6-12 years 9-12 hours

Teenagers 18-13 years 8-10 hours

Over the years, I watched family and friends parent their children and, at times, shuddered about how I would take up the role of a parent.

As a first-time and new mum, this has gone a long way since I took mental notes of things I would adopt once I became a mother.

When it came to putting my daughter-Chosen Chanel- to sleep, I battled with whether to use a sleep schedule or melatonin.

The answer was a Sleep Schedule

In case you decide to incorporate Melatonin to help with your child’s sleep, that’s okay. I, however, tried a different approach, which has worked well with my baby- sleep schedule.

Typically, I’m a person who does an activity repetitively daily without worrying. Getting off my schedule would make me anxious hence;, I try to remain within the parameters of my routine. A program has come in handy through the years because it seamlessly helps me manage my work and home life.

Although I get off track occasionally, once I’m back on the right trajectory, things fall back into place perfectly.

Daily Schedule

I will not lie to you. Since her birth, little miss Chosen Chanel has maintained a daily and uninterrupted sleeping pattern. Attaining this was not a walk in the park because the first three months were tough.

We effortlessly put her on a specific schedule, which involved sleeping in the same bed without crying for a bottle in the middle of the night.

Apart from having many sleepless nights, it was one of the most challenging transitions. However, we managed to follow a daily pattern by putting Chosen to bed simultaneously every night. We additionally adapted the 5 B’s system;

1. Bath

2. Brush teeth

3. Bottle

4. Book

5. Bed

By maintaining a daily sleeping routine for Chosen, she’s on the right track and always goes upstairs when she gets sleepy. One time I caught her trying to climb onto her bed.

Melatonin wasn’t an option in my family to help Chosen with her sleep; instead, we opted for patience and a pattern.

While there are no short-term side effects of Melatonin, children may experience symptoms such as nausea, headaches, bed-wetting, excessive sweating, dizziness, morning grogginess, stomach pains, and more in the end.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -PubMed Central does not approve melatonin supplements in children.

Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health

How do you put your child to sleep at night?

by Trish Wright | Founder | Wife | Mama | Serial Entrepreneur |

Follow us on Instagram @itsthewrightlifebbb

Edited by: Laiza Maketso