Some moms are taking drastic measures to get a child to sleep.
In a Moms’ and Parenting poll of more than 26,000 mothers, one in five admitted to giving their children ‘medicine’ such as Benadryl or Dramamine to get through a big event, like a long car ride or plane trip. More disturbing: One in 12 moms confessed to regularly dosing their kids with sleep-inducing medication, just to get some peace and quiet on a normal night. (source)
See safe, alternative choices to help with sleep and wakefulness below…
Don’t Try to Make Your Child Sleepy with Benadryl
2 minutes.
“Giving sleep aids to my children caused the death of my infant daughter. I was using Benadryl to help my children sleep during the night so that they would not disturb their father while I was working third shift. I never meant to harm, let alone cause my infant’s death. As a result I also lost custody of my other children and ended up serving a prison sentence for my actions”. ~ Justine Barber (Connecticut Public Health Alert)
Benadryl – The First Generation of Antidepressants
Scientists began to notice the antihistamine Benadryl often elevated mood, and they set out to create the first generations of antidepressants.
In the 1970s, the molecule diphenhydramine (Benadryl) was “rearranged” to create Prozac, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. (source)
You should know the dangers of Prozac (which is a Black Box drug) including an increased risk of suicide and violence for patients prescribed to Prozac.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the active ingredient diphenhydramine could increase the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy.
Benadryl (aka Diphenhydramine) in Many OTC Sleep Medications
Diphenhydramine is the most common ingredient found in dozens of OTC sleep medicines. There are many more than I have listed below. Check labels carefully.
Why is it so easily available and doctor recommended for regular use? It makes no sense.
Addiction Leading to Dementia?
Addiction to Benadryl is possible. People do develop a psychological dependence on the drug, thinking they won’t be able to get to sleep without it.
Parents would be setting their child up for dependence on Benadryl where they won’t be able to sleep without it.
And be AWARE OF the harm it can do to young and old: a report published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed compelling evidence of a link between use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and DEMENTIA.
Related: Benadryl, Paxil, Advil PM & Other OTC Drugs Linked to Dementia?
Common Side Effects of Diphenhydramine
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, increased chest congestion, excitement (especially in children), erectile dysfunction, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty and painful urination, nervousness, and dizziness.
Also, confusion and delirium, rapid and irregular heartbeats, irritability, short-term memory loss, hallucinations, muscle spasm and twitching.
When mixed with alcohol or with virtually any other drug that is sedating, the effects will be exaggerated and dangerous.
Considering its profound effects on the brain, which can linger for days, it’s a mystery how this drug could be recommended by any thoughtful health professional for such complaints as seasonal allergies and insomnia, when there are so many better and safer alternatives that don’t take a toll on the brain.
(Here’s my list. I have only chosen ones that are really safe and work for many. Please add your suggestion if there is something I’ve forgotten.)
Top Natural Alternative Remedies for Insomnia & Antihistamines
For Sleep Issues From Age 1 through Adult:
• WishGarden Herbs Sleepy Nights for Kids (for ages 1 and up)
• Hyland’s Kids Organic Sleep Products (ages 2-3 and up) both Gummies & Liquid Amazon Choice
• SleepCalm™ For Kids ages 3 and up (Mom’s Choice Award) Meltaway Tablets (Sleep Relief) Amazon Choice
• Mommy’s Bliss Kids Sleep Liquid (ages 3 and up) Amazon Choice
• Calms Forté Sleep Aid (for age 6 thru adult) Amazon Choice
• Insomnia Drops (by Professional Formulas), 2 fl. oz (for children age 12 and up)
• Magnesium Calm non-flavored (as directed, 30-45 minutes before bedtime)
• ***Melatonin w/ passionflower, hops, GABA, lemon balm, ashwagandha, and L-theanine a half hour before bed. Great ingredients. (Children never need melatonin as they have high levels already).
• Tart Cherry 6000 capsules (may help improve sleep quality due to its natural melatonin content, which can aid in regulating sleep cycles).
• Somnapure – herbal blend (2 tablets 30-60 minutes before bed)
• Passionflower (500 mg before bed) Helps relax the nervous system and doesn’t cause drowsiness.
• Valerian (600-700 mg before bed) Is effective for insomnia, but may be a stimulant for some. It’s pretty amazing that a herbal remedy like Valerian root can have the same anti-anxiety effects of prescription drugs without all the serious side effects of psychotropic drugs.
• Calcium and magnesium together (500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium) These minerals work together for relaxation.
• Vitamin B12 (1500 mcg daily) Vitamin B12 supports cellular function and a deficiency which can cause insomnia.
• Diffuse lavender EO before bed and during sleep to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
• Eat melatonin-rich, sleep-inducing foods like pistachios, cherries, mushroom (powder) or a half banana as a bedtime snack. (source)
Natural Antihistamines to Replace Benadryl:
• Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. One study suggests taking 2,000 mg. or more daily.
• Plain and natural out of the hive RAW honey!!!!
• Allergy Health contains 4 of these natural histamines (Amazon Choice product)
• Boiron’s RhinAllergy For age 2 and up for hay fever, itchy and water eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat and nose (Amazon Choice product)
• Bromelain is popular for swelling or inflammation, especially of the sinuses and following injury or surgery.
• Quercetin is a natural antihistamine that helps stabilize mast cells to prevent both the manufacture and release of histamine.
• Stinging nettle leaf blocks histamine receptors. The leaf can function just like Allegra or Claritin with none of the side effects.
• Boiron Histaminum Hydrochloricum 30C is a powerful remedy for stopping histamine reactions. (Amazon Choice product)
• Euphrasia Officinalis (eyebright herb) has been utilized since the middle ages as a tool for treating all sorts of allergies and allergy related symptoms
• Probiotics help balance of gut bacteria and boost a person’s immune system, which can help the body fight off allergies.
And how about different parenting techniques and life style choices? But that is another topic…
” Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28
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Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.
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