SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sleep is a precious commodity, and experts agree that our children aren’t getting enough. School-age children need nine to 12 hours of shut-eye at night, but according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, up to 25 percent have difficulty falling or staying asleep. And while studies reveal inconsistent bedtimes and lack of quality rest can set off a chain reaction of fatigue-related health and behavior issues, parents are often left feeling helpless.
Though some parents remain skeptical, melatonin supplements are increasingly gaining acceptance. Studies on melatonin use in children have found it to be effective, particularly in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine says it’s generally considered safe for children to use temporarily.
“My view is that a child shouldn’t need to take something to fall asleep every night,” says Dr. Zak Zarbock, founder of Zarbee’s Naturals and creator of Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep remedy, a low-dose melatonin supplement developed for kids 3 years and older. “Sleep is critical to health. It plays a role in children’s ability to concentrate, their demeanor and attitude, energy level and even immune system. When routines are interrupted, a small dose of melatonin can help kids get back on track quickly.”
“The slightest disruption to your family’s hard-won bedtime schedule can throw off a child’s sleep cycle,” maintains Dr. Zak, a practicing pediatrician and father of four boys. Daylight Savings Time, back-to-school transitions, and vacations – especially travel that takes you to a new time zone – are some of the most common culprits he hears about from parents in his practice. “Plus, it’s the sleepovers and occasional late night that can wreak havoc on a kid’s sleep pattern for days. That’s when melatonin is appropriate. It’s like a reset button for your bedtime routine.”
Zarbock insists that good “Sleep Hygiene,” especially consistency, is what’s needed for long-term sleep success. That’s why he includes “9 Steps to a Good Night’s Sleep” in every box of Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep. Instead of relying on melatonin, says Dr. Zak, consider the following approaches that can often help youngsters (regardless of age) overcome sleeping problems:
- Create a consistent bedtime routine, including 15-30 minutes of calm, soothing activities like bath time, story-telling and songs.
- Discourage screen time before bed. Light (particularly "blue" light) can shift circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
- Avoid sugar and caffeine for at least 3-4 hours before bed.
Dr. Zak reached for melatonin when his own son’s nightly reading routine slipped into a habit of late-night marathons that left him cranky and tired the next morning. “My wife and I gave him Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep tablets for three nights until he settled back into his normal bedtime schedule,” recalls Dr. Zak. “My son still reads before bed, but now he starts earlier and we have a strictly enforced lights out time.”
Zarbee’s Children's Sleep contains just 1mg of clinically proven melatonin, a hormone bodies naturally produce as part of the sleep cycle, promoting restful sleep* in children 3 years and older. The ingredients in Zarbee's Children's Sleep are natural, non-habit forming and won't leave little ones feeling groggy the next day. The grape flavored chewable tablets are gluten, drug and dairy-free. Zarbee’s Children’s Sleep has a SRP of $8.99 for 30 tablets and is available at major retailers nationwide including CVS, Target, Amazon and www.zarbees.com.
About Zarbee's Naturals
Founded in 2008 by pediatrician Dr. Zak Zarbock, Zarbee’s Naturals manufactures the nation’s #1 natural cough remedy and a complete line of “family-safe” health and wellness products that are free from drugs, alcohol, gluten and dyes. Recommended by more than 40,000 pediatricians nationwide, Zarbee’s remedies are formulated with a special blend of natural actives and fortified with immune-boosting vitamins. Zarbee’s continues to innovate with doctor-formulated and recommended products for the entire family, including remedies for cough and sore throats, occasional sleeplessness and congestion due to seasonal pollen. Zarbee’s products are available at these and other retailers nationwide: CVS, Harris Teeter, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Rite Aid, ShopRite, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. For more information, visit www.Zarbees.com.
