The parent of a 4-year-old who has difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep has tried several nonpharmacological methods with variable success and asks about medications. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Melatonin is a safe and effective option for children with difficulty initiating sleep. It is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It can be helpful in children with delayed sleep phase syndrome, children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or as an adjunct to behavioral interventions for children with insomnia. Sedative-hypnotic medications like diphenhydramine, lorazepam, and zolpidem are not recommended for children due to potential adverse effects on mood, behavior, and cognitive function.

The Parent of a 4-Year-Old Who Has Difficulty Initiating and Maintaining