This post is in partnership with Hiya. I only endorse products I believe in.
If bedtime at your house feels more like a battle than a peaceful routine, you’re not alone. For months, our evenings were a mix of negotiations (“just one more story!”) and endless excuses. I tried everything: white noise, blackout curtains, earlier bedtimes, later bedtimes, and even melatonin (which made me uneasy).
Nothing seemed to stick. That’s when I reached out to pediatric sleep consultant Xan Coffman, founder of MyBaby Sleepology, to get expert advice.
TLDR: Hiya’s Bedtime Essentials made bedtime easier! Get 50% off with NMM50.
Why are bedtimes challenging?
But seriously… WHY?! “As children grow, their brains and bodies are constantly changing, which can make it hard for them to wind down,” Xan explains.
According to Xan, the most common reasons bedtime becomes a struggle include:
- Overtiredness: Staying up too long causes the body to release cortisol (the stress hormone) and makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, even though they’re exhausted.
- Inconsistent routines: Kids thrive on predictability. Without a clear bedtime routine, it’s harder for them to shift from play to rest.
- Overstimulation: Screens, bright lights, or rough play too close to bedtime can delay the natural release of melatonin in the body.
- Connection-seeking: Many “stalling” tactics are kids’ ways of asking for more time and attention.
The key is to keep bedtime consistent, calm, and predictable, and when parents stay loving but firm with boundaries, bedtime becomes smoother and more peaceful for everyone” advises Xan.
The use of sleep supplements in kids
While melatonin is the most common sleep aid for children, it’s not a magic fix. “Melatonin is a hormone our bodies naturally produce to signal that it’s time for sleep,” Xan explains. “It doesn’t make kids sleep longer, it simply cues the internal clock.”
Overusing melatonin or giving it inconsistently can actually disrupt that natural rhythm. This is because the brain starts to rely on it as an external source, and it can become harder for kids to fall asleep on their own, which turns melatonin into more of a sleep crutch than a support. “Essentially, it risks teaching the body that it doesn’t need to produce melatonin naturally,” she says.
Xan suggests turning to gentle options with natural ingredients that help the body unwind, like magnesium, chamomile, and L-theanine. “These support relaxation without interfering with the body’s natural sleep hormones,” she explains. That’s where products like Hiya’s Bedtime Essentials come in. It combines these ingredients in a safe, child-friendly formula designed to help kids relax and ease into sleep, naturally.
My trick to smoother bedtimes: Hiya Bedtime Essentials
Bedtime used to feel unpredictable, but I’ve discovered that adding Hiya’s Kids Bedtime Essentials into our nightly routine 30 mins before bedtime was the mini tweak we needed.
This non-habit-forming chewable is packed with nutrients that support nighttime ease, including:
- L-theanine: An amino acid that can reduce stress and anxiety
- Vitamin B6: A vitamin that enhances cognition and mood
- Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA): A neurotransmitter that reduces stress and improves sleep
- Chamomile: A flowering herb that enhances sleep quality.
It’s also melatonin-free and sugar-free, so there’s no risk of a late-night sugar rush.
Say hello to easier bedtimes with Hiya’s Bedtime Essentials
Hiya Kids Bedtime Essentials has proven in my house to be the unlock that helps my kids relax and unwind before bedtime.
✅ Nutrients that support nighttime calm
✅ Non-habit forming (no melatonin!)
✅ Zero added sugar
✅ Specifically formulated for kids
✅ Chewable
✅ Third-party tested
Get 50% off your first purchase with code NMM50
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