Supporting Sleep

Sleep challenges are common for many children, but with the right support, parents and professionals can help children develop good sleep habits.

Understanding Sleep in Autistic Children

Autistic and neurodivergent children often experience sleep difficulties for several reasons. These may include sensory sensitivities (like sensitivity to light, sound, or touch), irregular melatonin production, or differences interpreting body signals (interoception).

Click here for the Early Years Sleep Video transcript:

The Middletown Bulletin on Sleep provides useful information for parents and professionals.

---

Top Tips for Better Sleep

Create a Consistent Routine

Children often thrive with routines. Establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, to support their body’s internal clock. A consistent sleep schedule helps create a sense of security.

Tip: Try using a visual schedule to show your child what comes next in their bedtime routine, like bath, brush teeth, storytime, and sleep.

Adjust the Sensory Environment

Children who are sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures might find going and staying in bed difficult.

• Keep the room dark and quiet: Use blackout curtains and consider a soft low-level nightlight if needed.
• Minimize noise: A white noise machine or music may help block out sudden sounds.
• Comfortable bedding: Make sure the child’s bed clothes and bedding are made from materials they find comfortable. Sometimes a slightly heavier blanket over the child’s legs can support relaxation.

Help Your Child Wind Down

The hour before bed should be calm and free from stimulating activities. Help your child relax by doing quiet activities like reading, listening to soft music, or engaging in gentle sensory play. Avoid screens like TVs, tablets, and phones during this time, as they can interfere with melatonin production.

Tip: Create a calm, cosy space with soft textures or blankets that help your child feel secure. Remember a weighted blanket should not be used for sleeping under.

Use Visual Supports and Social Stories

Some autistic children may not understand the connection between feeling tired and needing sleep. Using visual supports can help explain the process, while social stories are a wonderful way to help children understand bedtime routines.

Encourage Independence with Sleep

Help your child learn to fall asleep on their own. Once they feel secure and calm in their own bed, they’ll be more likely to sleep through the night. Praise their efforts to settle independently and support them with gentle, consistent guidance.

Early Years Practitioners can play a significant role in promoting healthy sleep by teaching children the importance of rest through classroom activities, encouraging healthy eating and regular physical activity, and maintaining open communication with families about sleep issues. By understanding that sleep impacts attention, learning, and behaviour, early years settings can make accommodations for children struggling with sleep.

---

Resources for Further Support

If your child’s sleep challenges persist, there are many helpful resources available. Here are a few:

• Middletown Centre for Autism offers online training specific to sleep and autism.
• Sleep Scotland provides free sleep counselling services.
• National Autistic Society offers strategies for improving sleep in autistic children.
• The Children’s Sleep Charity offers advice and support for sleep difficulties in children.

For additional guidance, you can consult with your GP, occupational therapist, or another healthcare professional who can offer tailored advice specific to your child’s sleep needs.