Sleep is a basic human need, one that provides our brains a chance to rest and reset and our body to restore itself. Unfortunately for many - especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - sleep doesn’t always come easily. Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on the nervous system, causing body-wide disruptions relating to emotions, memory, cognitive functioning, energy, hormones, immune system and more. In turn, struggles in these areas can further exacerbate sleep troubles, leading to a hard to break cycle.
Children with Autism Commonly Have Issues with Sleep
Understanding the connection between the brain, body and sleep makes it no surprise that individuals with autism commonly struggle when it comes to sleep. Children on the spectrum often suffer from:
Difficulty falling asleep
Frequent nighttime wakings
Less sleep in general
Early morning wake-ups
Sleep cycle disruptions
Inconsistent sleep patterns
Difficulty transitioning to sleep
Restlessness during sleep
Nightmares or night terrors
Respiratory issues like sleep apnea
These sleep disturbances often go hand in hand with the same mechanisms that create difficulties through the waking hours. Children on the autism spectrum have a particularly difficult time with transitions, making the segue into sleep a tricky one at times. There are ways to make bedtime more conducive to quality sleep by combining sensory-friendly tools and a dedicated routine.
Heightened anxiety, overstimulation and behavioral resistance are a few of the causes of sleep problems in children with autism, but reasons may also include:
Sensory Sensitivities: Coinciding alongside overstimulation, sensory sensitivities can be a huge contributing factor to sleep challenges. Lighting and noise should be carefully managed, as well as making sure your child has a blanket and pillow they are comfortable with. A weighted blanket can be a good option to try for an easily overstimulated child.
Melatonin Imbalance: People with autism frequently produce melatonin differently than others. Talk to your child’s doctor about whether this may be a concern and if an evening supplement could be beneficial.
GI Issues: Gastrointestinal issues can also be common in children with autism, with stomach pain or acid reflux causing night time wakings.
Communication Barriers: Children who are nonverbal or have difficulty communication may not fully express what they are feeling, whether that includes fear, pain or other discomfort surrounding bedtime.
Breathing Issues: Children with autism have an increased risk of sleep apnea and other breathing irregularities. These conditions disrupt sleep cycles, so even if it seems like your child is sleeping, they may not be getting the deep sleep required by the body for optimal functioning.
Co-Occurring Conditions: Autism itself may not be the only contributing factor to sleep disturbances. It’s been found that children with autism often have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, epilepsy or sensory processing disorder.
It’s likely that your child’s disruptive sleep is caused by a combination of factors. Creating a consistent bedtime routine that incorporates methods that are helpful to your child can go a long way toward remedying poor sleep. It may be helpful to keep a log for your own reference to discover patterns that can help indicate risk factors, see what works and what doesn’t, and to note anything out of the ordinary. Your child’s pediatrician should be advised of any ongoing sleep issues so they can explore medical possibilities, as well. For example, low iron can cause restless legs, sleep apnea can interrupt deep sleep stages, and so on.
Bloom Behavioral Healthcare Can Help Establish Healthy Routines
Having a good night’s sleep will help regulate your child more efficiently than a lack of sleep will. While children on the autism spectrum are prone to negative sleep patterns, there are ways to improve the situation in time. As part of their ABA Therapy sessions, Bloom will help the family recognize triggers, establish routines that work for your child and provide guidance for incorporating positive habits into daily life, including sleep routines. A better understanding of what each child excels at and struggles with can help create an environment that promotes better quality sleep. When your child sleeps better, you sleep better - and a rested family is a happier family.
For more information on how ABA Therapy can help your family navigate life with autism, contact Bloom!
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