Study Reveals Staggering 80% Of Parents Give Sleep Aids Like Melatonin And Benadryl To Put Their Kids To Sleep

A new survey reveals that a huge number of American parents across all generations are giving their children sleep aid pharmaceuticals to put them to bed at night.

The study, conducted by Sleep Doctor, noted in their thesis that ‘the number of young children being given melatonin is skyrocketing, and recently several daycares have been in the news for drugging kids to get them to sleep;’ and therefore wanted to know just how pervasive it is among parents to give children these sleep-inducing substances.

Surveying 1,201 parents across different age groups in the month of April, Sleep Doctor discovered:

• 79% of parents have given their child a substance for the primary purpose of aiding sleep
• 66% of parents have given melatonin; 25% gave it to a child 3 years old or younger
• 35% of parents say they have given benadryl to get their child to sleep
• 20% have given their child prescription sleep aids

Of those polled, 84% of Gen-Z and 83% of Millennial parents say they are likely or have given a sleep aid to their children.

Melatonin is the most commonly administered sleep aid by those that have. Sleep Doctor reported that ‘the majority of parents (97%) gave their child melatonin more than once. The plurality of parents (21%) gave melatonin to their children about 10 times, while 16% gave it about five times, 14% about two to three times, and 3% only once. Further, 13% of parents say they gave melatonin to their child 50 times or more.’

Dr. Nilong Vyas Pediatrician, Public Health Specialist, and Board-Certified Sleep Expert, said in the press release:

“Melatonin has been researched extensively for use in neurodiverse children, those with circadian rhythm disorders, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and jet lag. However, how parents and caregivers are administering unregulated and unprescribed medications to induce sleep in situations including bedtime resistance is not only not indicated but not recommended by the medical community.”

He added, “The problem with over-the-counter melatonin supplementation is that it is unregulated and often found to contain improper doses of the melatonin hormone. Additionally, not enough studies have been conducted on children to determine the appropriate dose of it and its long-term consequences. It is more optimal for parents to use light modulation to impact sleep onset rather than medications.”

Of the 20% who give their children a prescription sleep aid, the common ones administered Ambien, Sonata, or Restoril; and some parents gave these drugs to their babies and toddlers – ‘4% gave it to a child under six months old, 11% to a child six to 11 months old, and 16% to a child one to three years old.’

The majority (64%) of parents say the use of the prescription sleep aid was recommended by their doctor every time it was given, while 34% say some of the time, and 2% say never. 

While some parents only gave a prescription aid once (5%) or two or three times (15%), many gave it a number of times. In fact, 13% of parents say they did 50 or more times.

Be that as it may, parents are also implementing a number of other methods to get their children to sleep, such as having bedtime routines, less screen and device time, healthy diet and exercise, a new mattress and more.

Dr. Vyas encourages implementing healthier methods instead of providing drugs to children. “Consistency of routine is critical. Also, following the child’s sleep cues will ensure they fall asleep when their body is optimized. If a child is woken daily at the same time, they will fall into a better sleep routine for daytime naps and at bedtime.” He also suggests:

• Minimize blue light stimulation from devices at least 2 hours before designated bedtime to help allow the body’s natural melatonin production
• Ensure exposure to daylight and sunset to help regulate the child’s circadian rhythm
• Teach the child to fall asleep independently
• Use the assistance of a sleep coach to work through troublesome areas of sleep onset

---

AUTHOR COMMENTARY

Nearly two years ago to date, The WinePress reported on how children of all ages are overdosing and attempting suicide on common pharmaceuticals such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and little children are found to be overdosing on melatonin supplements.

Moreover, again, nearly one year ago, I reported on insightful remarks by an anesthesiologist who highlighted just how ridiculously depressed Gen-Z is for a number of reasons, and one of things he observed is that depression has become a common trait for them, and reaching for pharmaceuticals and sleep aids has become almost second nature. Definitely give that a report a read. SEE: Anesthesiologist Reveals That Many Gen-Z’ers Are Very Depressed And Lonely, Using Drugs And Other Distractions To Cope

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

It’s an absolute embarrassment and abject failure of the parents to allow this type of behavior -‘Just pill’em up!’ What a disgrace! Garbage parenting, neglect and trying to be everyone’s friend and older brother, and especially not bringing the children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord are one of the reasons that have led to this; and now those children are just readily packing their children full of drugs, instead of actually being a good parent and removing the devices, forcing them outside and making them work, feeding them a good diet and actually setting parameters for the child – what “novel” concepts!?

And then, to no surprise, big pharma and the whitecoat-wearing witch doctors are giddy to prescribe and recommend these sleep “aids” and psych drugs. What a godless mess we live in.

---

[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).

The WinePress needs your support! If God has laid it on your heart to want to contribute, please prayerfully consider donating to this ministry. If you cannot gift a monetary donation, then please donate your fervent prayers to keep this ministry going! Thank you and may God bless you.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE