Dr. Komarovsky on sedatives for children

Concerns about their children’s emotional health are common among parents, particularly when they observe symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia. Sedatives may come to mind for parents looking for ways to calm their children in such circumstances.

Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky discusses whether or not sedatives are suitable for young patients. He stresses that prior to contemplating the use of any kind of medication, it is critical to identify the underlying cause of a child’s behavior.

It’s imperative that parents approach this subject carefully and intelligently in order to make decisions regarding their child’s development and health.

Who needs such drugs?

Because their child sleeps poorly, wakes up frequently, is erratic, and exhibits signs of hyperactivity—a condition that has recently gained a lot of attention—modern moms feel that sedatives are absolutely necessary for their child. The very phrase "to prescribe a sedative to a child" sounds wrong, according to Evgeny Komarovsky, a pediatrician of the highest caliber, a candidate in medical sciences, and the author of books and articles on children’s health-related topics.

Following the guidelines and recommendations of the World Health Organization, medical professionals everywhere do not even suspect the use of sedatives on children. There exist juveniles suffering from mental disorders, grave disorders necessitating grave care and equally grave medication. However, these are tranquilizers, neuroleptics. Prescription drugs for the sole purpose of calming down a child who does not suffer from mental illness are a uniquely Russian "invention."

Dr. Komarovsky is likewise a fervent supporter of this methodology. He is certain that a child without serious mental health issues does not require sedatives or sleeping pills. Furthermore, if their use is not warranted, they can be dangerous. However, many products are sold without a prescription in Russian pharmacies. However, they are unrelated to sedatives and sleeping pills (in the real sense of the word). These are typically homeopathic medications that contain one tenth of a molecule of an active ingredient per liter of sugar-infused water.

It is evident that giving a child sugar-infused water will not make them calmer. However, this calms the mother, who is now certain that she is assisting the child by giving him drops or tablets labeled as "for children’s sleep" or "for the baby’s peace of mind," and the doctor, who is hounded by parents about prescribing sleeping pills.

According to Evgeny Komarovsky, a mother is typically mistaken when she believes her child is ready for sedatives; the child does not require such medication. Furthermore, it is not his fault if he has trouble sleeping; parents should be held accountable for their child’s restless nights and whims, and they should ensure that their child wants to sleep, sleeps soundly and peacefully, and behaves in a calm, non-hysterical manner.

What to do?

Komarovsky first argues that parents need to accept accountability and realize that sleep and behavior issues stem from their own upbringing and daily routine design. The child’s mother believes there’s a good chance he will require sedatives if he sits, plays computer games, uses a tablet, is made to eat, and doesn’t move much.

A child typically has no trouble falling asleep if he moves around a lot, walks, plays sports in his area, rides a bike, and eats whenever he wants to, not when his mother says it’s time for lunch or dinner.

The first matter that needs to be addressed is the child’s employment. Next, you should make sure that every element of a healthy sleep environment is in place: the room should be cool, the air should be humid, the bed should be comfortable, the child shouldn’t have had any recent or intense experiences right before bed, and they shouldn’t have run or played active games.

Are all parents like this? Regretfully, no. Many find it more convenient to see a different doctor who will prescribe homeopathic remedies such as "Tenoten," "Dormikind," sweet, but ultimately useless syrup "Edas-306," or to search online for a few tips on administering glycine to a newborn, brewing motherwort, preparing valerian for a child, or creating calming baths using herbal concoctions before bed. You can give your child herbal remedies, according to Komarovsky. However, whether it is necessary or not depends on how the issue that caused the child to exhibit hyperactive behaviors or difficulty sleeping at night is still unresolved.

Genuine sedatives and sleeping pills are only available with a prescription, which can be obtained if the child suffers from mental illnesses or pathologies affecting the functioning of the central nervous system.

It should be mentioned that children are often given nootropic medications (Phenibut, Pantogam, and others) in addition to homeopathic remedies for sedation. According to Komarovsky, the effectiveness of this class of medications is essentially the same as that of homeopathy—that is, they both essentially have no effect and generally do not cure anything.

Dr. Komarovsky cautions parents about giving sedatives to their kids, stressing that these drugs should only be used in extreme cases and under a physician’s supervision. He emphasizes that non-drug approaches, such as a consistent schedule, adequate sleep, and emotional support, can effectively manage the majority of childhood anxiety or restlessness cases. These are safer and more long-term solutions.

What to replace?

It is advised by Dr. Komarovsky that parents of a fidgety child should forget where the pharmacy is. There are many other methods of relieving anxiety besides pills and drops, as even herbal preparations are usually of no use to a child. Komarovsky mentions techniques like evening baths, but he recommends a cool bath rather than regular warm water. The child should then be put in warm pajamas right away.

Warm milk and honey is a well-known folk remedy that works wonders for children three years old and up. Giving honey to a 2-year-old is not a good idea as it can cause a severe allergic reaction in the child.

Give the child a massage from the mother before bed if it is beneficial. A little talk with the infant or an evening fairy tale read aloud can be a very effective calming technique.

A child’s anxiety is usually caused by one of three things: he is either wet and damp, uncomfortable (heat or cold), or plagued by nightmares. You are able to work your way out of any situation.

Purchase a night light to help your child feel comfortable in the dark, select a scented baby massage cream, and play soft music for your infant—ideally classical music—quietly and unobtrusively.

If the child is three years old already, you may try using aromatherapy methods. The inhalation of essential oil vapors is advantageous not only for its advantageous impact on the nervous system but also for the prevention and treatment of respiratory ailments.

Furthermore, there are fantastic techniques like art therapy, puppet therapy, and fairy tale therapy that have zero adverse effects. A child psychologist or educator can assist you in selecting materials that will be engaging and beneficial for your child, while also positively impacting his mother’s mental health. Instead of going to a drugstore or a doctor, you should see them.

If your child’s behavior and health are seriously disturbed, you should take him to the doctor. There is no connection between illnesses and episodic sleep disturbance, curiosity, sociability, or increased mobility.

Children should only be given sedatives when absolutely necessary and under a doctor’s supervision, stresses Dr. Komarovsky. It can be more detrimental than beneficial to rely solely on medicine without treating the underlying problems.

It is important for parents to provide a peaceful, nurturing atmosphere and teach their kids healthy coping mechanisms for stressful situations. Simple routines, exercise, and honest communication are frequently very effective.

Developing resilient kids who can naturally control their emotions is the ultimate objective, as opposed to depending on band-aid solutions. Prior to considering any sedative treatments for your child, always get medical advice.

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