The Role of Supplements and Over-the-Counter Products to Improve Sleep in Children: A Systematic Review

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

This open-access review - compiled by a group of researchers and clinicians in Italy - provides a helpful overview of the theory, proposed mechanisms and current evidence from clinical trials for the use of some specific 'over-the-counter' supplements (or medications) to help manage sleep disorders in children. 

Specific supplements for which they found supportive evidence of benefit for at least some children include

• Iron
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (the precursor to serotonin)
• L-Theanine
• Antihistamines

In each case the likelihood of benefits, and the avoidance of undesirable side-effects, is likely to be enhanced by careful clinical evaluation.

For some supplements - such as iron - good clinical trial evidence indicates that this may help children with specific sleep problems such as restless legs syndrome and/or low iron status, although avoiding an excess is also important.

For the other supplements reviewed, clinical trials are fewer, and have often involved combinations of nutrients (particularly magnseium and/or B vitamins), which obviously limits the conclusions that can be drawn.

Given the high prevalence of sleep disorders in pediatric populations, and their serious consequences for children's physical and mental health and development, the available evidence shows that tailored supplementation can be helpful in many cases - but both more research, and better education and training for clinicians in this area are still needed.

For more information on potential links between nutrition and sleep, see:

• Sleep and Nutrition - Research